Wayne Rooney appoints former Man United assistant as his new No 2 at Plymouth… as Red Devils legend fights to save his job amid a dismal run of form

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has become Wayne Rooney‘s new assistant at Plymouth Argyle. 

The 62-year-old comes in to replace Pete Shuttleworth, who has left the club by mutual consent. 

Phelan spent nine years at Old Trafford in two spells and coached Rooney for five of those.

Upon the announcement, Argyle manager Rooney said: ‘I am sad to see Pete leave the club. He is someone I have worked with very closely throughout my managerial career having first met at Derby County and he has also been a close friend.

‘Pete has some personal matters going on which is where his focus needs to be and we all completely respect that and have mutually decided to part ways.

‘Mike is someone I know well having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United and 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.’

Mike Phelan has become Wayne Rooney ‘s new assistant manager at Plymouth Argyle

Phelan comes in to replace Pete Shuttleworth (left) who has left the club by mutual consent

Phelan coached Rooney for five seasons during his first spell at Manchester United

Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: ‘I want to thank Pete for all his support and efforts since joining Argyle in the summer.

‘We are thrilled to bring in someone of Mike’s calibre so quickly as a replacement.

‘He is one of the most experienced coaches around having worked with some of the best players in the world and obviously has a relationship with Wayne already from their time together at Manchester United.

‘We look forward to seeing his work have an immediate impact on the group and hope his experience will provide the perfect support to Wayne as we head into a very busy period of fixtures.’