Manchester United coach Mike Phelan with Derby County's Wayne Rooney after the FA Cup fifth round match at Pride Park on March 5, 2020 - Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Manchester United coach Mike Phelan with Derby County's Wayne Rooney after the FA Cup fifth round match at Pride Park on March 5, 2020 - Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has made a key appointment as he battles to keep Plymouth Argyle in the Championship after their recent bad form.
Rooney has made a significant move by enlisting the help of former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan.
The seasoned 62 year-old joins former Rams manager Rooney, as assistant head coach with immediate effect, marking his return to the frontline of football coaching after an illustrious career that includes two stints at Old Trafford, notably under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Following Pete Shuttleworth's exit from the role due to personal reasons, Plymouth issued an official statement: "Pete Shuttleworth has departed his role as assistant head coach by mutual consent for personal reasons."
They further announced, "Head coach Wayne Rooney has brought in Mike Phelan as his replacement with immediate effect."
Phelan, having previously been Ferguson's right-hand man for five years, left the staff following the legendary manager's retirement in 2013 but found his way back to Man Utd in 2018 after managing teams like Norwich and Hull.
Phelan faces a challenge at Plymouth; the team currently sits 22nd on the leaderboard with 17 points after 18 games and comes off a heavy 4-0 loss to Bristol City on November 30.