Leeds United to get last laugh as Wayne Rooney news emerges at Plymouth Argyle. Credit: Sky Sports YouTube

Leeds United fans to get last laugh as Wayne Rooney news emerges at Plymouth

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

02 Dec 2024, 9:40 am

Wayne Rooney was one of the least popular figures at Elland Road when Leeds United beat his Plymouth Argyle side last month.

The term "pantomime villain" came to mind as Daniel Farke's side fired three first-half goals past the Pilgrims on 2 November, thanks to Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson.

Of course, it was always going to be a tough trip to Elland Road due to his Manchester United links, and he certainly didn't help himself on social media with his post-match comments.

Bravely stating that it would be a "failure" if Leeds failed to gain promotion this season, clearly referring to the club's missed chance last term, fans began hounding after him.

With Plymouth only winning one game since that moment - a 1-0 win over Portsmouth - and conceding 10 goals in the last two matches, Rooney now has bigger things to worry about.

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Much to the delight of Leeds fans, according to The Telegraph, Rooney is fighting to save his job at Home Park, with upcoming matches against Oxford United and Swansea City marked as crucial fixtures.

Whether Rooney decided to make those comments after the 3-0 game last month or not, he would still be an unpopular figure in West Yorkshire, but this situation is even sweeter for the Whites.

Of course, promotion to the Premier League is the main, and arguably the only, target this season for Farke and his players, but there are also a lot of strong teams in the same position.

Leeds are three points behind league leaders Sheffield United after 18 matches, with Burnley, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Watford all changing places at the top of the Championship table.

Wayne Rooney is fighting to save his job at Plymouth Argyle. Next two matches - at home to Oxford and Swansea - regarded as crucial to his future. While there is understanding over a severe injury crisis, fears are mounting over recent results #pafc https://t.co/aNlpLSPZvV
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) December 2, 2024

The Whites were top of the table for a brief moment but are now looking ahead to the next game against Derby County, a match which could see them rise to the top once again.

Whatever happens in the season, Leeds will be expected to secure one of the top spots, but unluckily for Rooney, he is unlikely to be around to watch the rest of the campaign unfold.

In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth was baffled by a summer transfer decision, with an "incredible opportunity" missed.

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Leeds United

Wayne Rooney

Plymouth Argyle