What is Wayne Rooney’s style of play? Manchester United legend explains managerial philosophy at Plymouth Argyle

Wayne Rooney already faces a race against the clock to embody his style of play at Plymouth Argyle after a difficult start as new manager.

The Manchester United legend endured a disappointing return to the bench as the Pilgrims were beaten 4-0 in his first game in charge.

Back in the hot seat following his departure from Birmingham last season, Rooney’s men were crushed by Sheffield Wednesday.

It was the exact opposite of what the 38-year-old would have wanted upon returning to the Championship at a crucial moment in his career.

Rooney is already in his fourth permanent coaching role, despite being younger than his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still active.

Plymouth were widely considered his lifeline as head of top-flight football following his mixed results elsewhere.

Club chairman Simon Hallett revealed that underlying data about his playing style led to his appointment, rather than just his results.

He explained in May: “We know their win-loss ratio isn’t particularly appealing, but actual results aren’t a very good way of assessing how much of an impact a manager has had on a team.

“You can look at the data to analyse the style of play, and Wayne’s style of play is consistent with what we want to see from an Argyle team.”

What is Rooney’s playing style?

Rooney outlined how he wants his Plymouth team to be organised, with core principles of being “very organised” combined with entertaining football.

Rooney said: “I want to be an attacking coach, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and play entertaining football. Obviously with control as well, I don’t want it to be disorganised pressing.

“I think my teams have always been very organised, but we play good, entertaining football, and of course you want to score goals, that’s what everyone wants to see. My style of play is all about that.”

How does this work in practice?

It would be more than unfair to overanalyse Plymouth’s line-up after pre-season friendlies and just one competitive game in charge.

Similarly, Rooney argued that his 15 games in Birmingham were not long enough to implement his style of play — with MLS having a completely different standard of football.

So let’s go back to his first spell as manager at Derby County, which remains the club where his skills in the dugout are most appreciated.

Rooney’s track record and battle with the Rams’ off-field financial problems are well documented, with his people management also highly praised.

Derby would have avoided relegation from the Championship in 2022 with him had they not dropped 21 points across the year.

This is down to Rooney’s work on the pitch, with the England icon showing tactical flexibility to change formations mid-match, as well as experimenting with player roles and positions.

Some of the defensive organisation he had at Derby came in the form of Curtis Davies, Phil Jagielka and Richard Stearman – all of whom were in the twilight of their careers but had experience of playing in the Premier League.

Rooney has favoured the notoriously balanced 4-2-3-1 formation most of the time – from his Derby days to his debut match as Plymouth manager.

He has also demonstrated a tendency to switch to the classic 4-4-2, with occasional formations featuring three centre-backs in a 3-5-2.

There are several consistent style points across all three formations – one of them is their desire for their teams to press high.

Another is the emphasis he places on arrivals into the box, which is why full-backs are often at the heart of Rooney’s approach.

After his unveiling as Birmingham manager, he said: “I want them to be brave. I want them to take risks.

“They will make mistakes and that is normal in football, but I want them to play forward and cross into the box.”

Plymouth managed just three crosses against Sheffield Wednesday, none of which were successful – Rooney had to work hard…