When Leeds supporters yelled “sacked in the morning” at Wayne Rooney after Plymouth’s 3-0 loss at Elland Road, Rooney responded with a clever jab.
The former England captain had experienced similar cries at this stadium on New Year’s Day when the Whites crushed his Birmingham team, so it was another difficult visit. And sure enough, the Blues let Rooney go the next day.
The game revealed Plymouth’s problems in every area, even though Rooney is still in charge of the team for the time being. Leeds seemed to have complete control of the game from the first whistle, finishing with about 80% of the possession. With no shots, Plymouth’s players were unable to contribute to the action.
Leeds supporters reportedly chanted “sacked in the morning” around Elland Road following a resounding victory. Reminiscent of the previous season, when Rooney was fired a few days after Birmingham was ripped apart.
Later, though, Rooney waved away the cries, smiling and saying, “I didn’t hear anything, maybe they can sing a bit louder.
Even if it turned out to be a difficult afternoon for his team, the sly reply demonstrated his experience dealing with hecklers and his capacity to ignore criticism from the crowd.
Plymouth’s loss at Elland Road maintained a concerning pattern, particularly in their away performances. As evidence of their inability to find reliable form on the road, they have now failed to score in seven of their eight away games this season. After Luton’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion, Plymouth dropped into the relegation zone with this defeat, dropping down by goal differential.
Tuesday’s home game against Portsmouth may be crucial for Rooney as he tries to inspire his group and produce a much-needed triumph. The former striker will be closely watched if the bottom-place team loses again.