New Delhi: Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has been named the new assistant head coach at Plymouth Argyle, stepping into the role previously held by Pete Shuttleworth. Phelan’s appointment comes during a turbulent time for the Pilgrims, who are struggling at the bottom end of the Championship table. His wealth of experience at the highest level of football is seen as a critical asset to bolster the club’s fortunes.
This appointment sees the 62-year-old reunite with Manchester United’s all time top scorer, Wayne Rooney. Both of them were together at Old Trafford during Phelan’s first spell with the Red Devils and developed a great equation during that time. Phelan is well-known in English football circles, having spent two successful spells coaching at Old Trafford. The first came under Sir Alex Ferguson, where he helped Manchester United secure three Premier League titles, a FIFA Club World Cup, and two Champions League final appearances.
He later returned to United in 2018, working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer until 2022. His strong track record and tactical acumen make him a valuable addition to Wayne Rooney’s coaching team. “Mike is someone I know well, having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United,” Rooney said in a statement on Plymouth’s official website. “He has vast experience at the highest level of football. I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately.”
🚨 OFFICIAL: Plymouth have appointed Mike Phelan as Wayne Rooney’s assistant manager.
(Source: @Argyle ) pic.twitter.com/nQEKJMyrPD
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 9, 2024
Plymouth’s director of football, Neil Dewsnip, expressed confidence in Phelan’s ability to make an immediate impact. “He is one of the most experienced coaches around, having worked with some of the best players in the world,” Dewsnip said. “We are thrilled to bring in someone of Mike’s calibre so quickly as a replacement. His experience will provide the perfect support to Wayne as we head into a very busy period of fixtures.”
For Phelan, the move offers a fresh challenge at a club in need of inspiration. His previous successes with Rooney during their time at Manchester United could prove pivotal in revitalizing Plymouth’s season. As the Pilgrims face a tough run of fixtures, the hope is that Phelan’s expertise will help stabilize the team and provide the foundation for a climb out of the relegation zone.
A Turbulent Period for Argyle
📉 Plymouth Argyle’s away form in the league this season:
• 9 games played
• 0 wins
• 2 draws
• 7 defeats
3 goals scored. 23 conceded 😳
Next up. Bristol City (A) 😂 #pafc pic.twitter.com/Jd9Adfivhf
— pafcreport (@pafcreport) November 27, 2024
Phelan’s arrival comes at a challenging time for Plymouth Argyle. The Pilgrims have managed just one win in their last nine matches and have been on the receiving end of heavy defeats in recent weeks, including a 6-1 loss at Norwich City and a 4-0 thrashing at Bristol City. These results have left the club third from bottom in the Championship and in dire need of a turnaround.
Adding to their struggles, Saturday’s fixture against Oxford United was postponed due to Storm Darragh, denying the team an opportunity to regroup and potentially climb the table. The postponement, coupled with results elsewhere, has only added to the pressure on Rooney’s side. With Phelan on board, Plymouth Argyle fans will be hoping this new partnership can spark a much-needed resurgence.
Phelan replaces Pete Shuttleworth, who left the club by mutual consent to focus on personal matters. Shuttleworth had been Rooney’s trusted lieutenant throughout his managerial journey, assisting him at Derby County, DC United, and Birmingham City. Rooney expressed sadness at Shuttleworth’s departure but emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of all parties. “Pete has some personal matters going on which is where his focus needs to be, and we all completely respect that,” Rooney explained.
Former Manchester United assistant manager joins Wayne Rooney’s backroom staff as his assistant two years after leaving his role at the Theatre of Dreams. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
