Wayne Rooney risking the axe already: Man Utd legend facing two vital games to avoid the sack amid nightmare run at Plymouth

The former England captain only took the reins at Home Park over the summer, but is seeing serious questions asked of his future. Plymouth have picked up just 17 points from 18 Championship fixtures this season, leaving them 21st in the table and just above the relegation zone.

Two heavy defeats – 6-1 at Norwich and 4-0 against Bristol City – have seen pressure mount on Rooney, with the 39-year-old admitting that the Pilgrims’ performances on the road have been nowhere near good enough.

According to The Telegraph, back-to-back home dates against Oxford and Swansea are set to prove “pivotal” for Rooney. There are no immediate plans to make a change in the dugout, but that stance may shift if more disappointing displays are put in ahead of the busy festive period.

Disgruntled Plymouth fans have been taking aim at Rooney and the club’s board, with many calling for Steven Schumacher to be reappointed after previously overseeing a League One title triumph. Rooney needs no reminding of the fact that he needs to deliver an upturn in fortune.

Rooney lasted only 83 days and 15 games in his previous post at Birmingham and is in danger of enduring another short reign, despite plans for a documentary series covering his time at Plymouth being revealed – with it possible that his tenure could be over before a streaming deal is struck.