AS a player, Wayne Rooney terrified defences. Not just with his record amount of goals, but his pest-like style meant they never got a moment's peace and if it wasn't the opposition he was annoying, then it was referees.
That is in no way a criticism, but a fact when reflecting on the playing career of one of England's greatest ever players. A generational talent that inspired and impacted the lives of millions of football fans around the globe, especially at Manchester United. Rooney was a warrior, a leader someone you'd want on your team in any circumstance. A born winner that went on to become United's greatest goalscorer of all time with 253, surpassing the great Sir Bobby Charlton.
For England, his 53 goals were also a record before that feat was surpassed by Harry Kane.
The fact that such a global superstar is now the head coach of Plymouth Argyle is still hard to fathom, but as we all know, football has no time for sentiment. Great players don't necessarily make great managers and 38-yearold Rooney arrives at Home Park with plenty to prove as a young coach.
His three managerial roles so far - Derby County, DC United in the United States' MLS and Birmingham City - have been anything but successful. So if Rooney is going to replicate the sort of success he enjoyed as a player, he has a long, long way to go.
Denne historien er fra May 31, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
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Denne historien er fra May 31, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
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After another away-day nightmare, Argyle fans are asking... - HOW BAD CAN IT GET?
ROONEY LEFT TOTALLY EMBARRASSED BY PITIFUL PILGRIMS
Troubled times are toughest so far for Rooney
UNDER-PRESSURE HEAD COACH TAKES CRITICISM ON THE CHIN
Can Rooney and Argyle turn their fortunes around?
IT is the big question for all Plymouth Argyle fans.
Carse heroics guides England to Test victory
BEN Stokes hailed Brydon Carse as England's triple threat after his starring role against New Zealand, branding the Durham quick \"three bowlers in one\".
Parkway dig deep to come away from Gosport with a point
PLYMOUTH Parkway extended their unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions with a hard-earned point from a goalless draw at Gosport Borough in the Southern League Premier Division.
French is on target again as Tavi pick up a crucial victory
STUART Henderson was thrilled that his Tavistock side came away from their trip to bottom club Cinderford Town with maximum points, but felt there was still room for improvement from his young side.
Minister 'sorry' to see Haigh depart
A CABINET minister has said he does not know \"who knew what when\" in relation to the criminal conviction which saw Louise Haigh quit as Transport Secretary last week.
Assisted dying costs discussion
THE cost of assisted dying plans could be among the questions discussed at the next stage of the legislative process, a Cabinet minister has said.
No migration target
A \"NUMERICAL target\" for net migration will not be part of the Government's plan for change due to be announced this week, a Cabinet minister has said.
Landmark for Channel crossings
MORE than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.
