Wayne Rooney was one of the least popular players at Elland Road when Leeds United defeated Plymouth Argyle last month.
The term “pantomime villain” came to mind as Daniel Farke’s side defeated the Pilgrims with three first-half goals from Dan James, Joel Piroe, and Brenden Aaronson on November 2.
Of course, given his Manchester United connections, it was always going to be a difficult trip to Elland Road, and his post-match comments on social media didn’t help matters.
Fans began hounding him after he bravely stated that it would be a “failure” if Leeds did not achieve promotion this season, plainly referring to the club’s squandered opportunity last season.
With Plymouth having only won one game since then – a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth – and surrendering ten goals in the last two, Rooney now has more pressing concerns.
Leeds United fans are undoubtedly thrilled as Wayne Rooney’s sacking news comes.
According to The Telegraph, Rooney is trying to save his job at Home Park, with future games against Oxford United and Swansea City regarded as critical.
Whether Rooney made those comments after the 3-0 game last month or not, he would still be a disliked figure in West Yorkshire, but the Whites are in a better position now.
Of course, promotion to the Premier League is Farke and his players’ major, and possibly only, goal this season, but there are a number of quality clubs in the same position.
Leeds sit three points behind league leaders Sheffield United after 18 games, while Burnley, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Watford have all changed places at the top of the Championship standings.
The Whites were top of the standings for a brief period of time, but they are already looking ahead to their next game against Derby County, which might see them return to the top spot.
Whatever happens this season, Leeds will be expected to clinch one of the top slots, but unfortunately for Rooney, he will not be able to watch the rest of the campaign.
