Wayne Rooney's Plymouth sacking put down to 'Glenn Hoddle syndrome' with Man Utd legend said to have been 'much better than most players' in lower leagues

Rooney’s brief stint at Plymouth saw the team secure only four wins in 23 Championship matches, an underwhelming performance that has left them staring at relegation to League One. Despite high hopes when the former Manchester United forward took the reins, his tenure failed to inspire improvement, culminating in his dismissal.

The Sun speculate that Rooney’s struggles may be attributed to what they term "Glenn Hoddle syndrome." Hoddle, a legendary midfielder for Tottenham and England, faced challenges as a manager due to his extraordinary natural talent as a player. When overseeing players of lesser ability, his expectations often exceeded what they were capable of delivering.

The same, they argue, applies to Rooney. Known for his immense footballing prowess, particularly in lower leagues, he is likely still a better player than many of those he managed. This disparity may have created a disconnect, making it difficult for him to translate his abilities into effective coaching strategies.

Rooney’s challenges at Plymouth are not isolated incidents. His managerial career has been marked by a string of underwhelming performances. At Derby County, he recorded a win rate of less than 30 percent, a figure that failed to inspire confidence in his long-term potential as a coach. Subsequent stints only worsened his record. At D.C. United in Major League Soccer, he managed just two victories in 15 games, while his time at Birmingham City was similarly unremarkable. His departure from Plymouth continues this pattern of poor results, leaving the Devon-based club in dire straits heading into the new year.

One alternative path for Rooney could be a return to punditry. While he has previously worked in broadcasting, his stint as a Euro 2024 pundit was poorly received, with him being voted as the UK’s least-favourite pundit of the tournament. However, television work could provide an opportunity to rebuild his public image away from the pressures of management.