Wayne Rooney facing battle to save his Plymouth Argyle job | OneFootball

The Pilrgims boss has been told that his next two fixtures against Oxford United and Swansea City are crucial to his survival in the role.

Wayne Rooney is battling for his job at Plymouth Argyle, and his team's next two games against Oxford United and Swansea City are now crucial.

That's according to The Telegraph's John Percy, who has explained that the 39-year-old's future is now hanging in the balance after an extremely difficult start to the season for the Pilgrims.

Argyle have lost their last two games 6-1 and 4-0 to Norwich City and Bristol City respectively, and they are still awaiting their first away win of the campaign.

Despite an injury crisis that has left Rooney desperate, the hierarchy at Plymouth are worried over recent results, with the team now 21st in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.

Rooney is fighting for his Plymouth job

There was a lot of concern when Rooney took on the role at Home Park after a poor run while in charge of Birmingham City last season, and it seems as though some of those concerns have come to light once again.

The Pilgrims are currently bottom of the away table in the Championship, picking up just two points out of a possible 30, scoring only three goals in the process. Goals are also being shipped too easily, with Argyle conceding 27 in total on the road.

10 of those came in their last two matches, and with performances not getting better, Plymouth's owners have handed the former Derby County manager an ultimatum.

Rooney's side welcome Oxford and Swansea to Devon in their next two fixtures, and he will be hoping that home comforts benefit him once again, with his team losing only once on their own patch in eight games in 2024/25.

But this new update will have an impact, and it is the first time that the England and Manchester United legend has faced public pressure since arriving at the club in the summer.

Plymouth's injury situation has not helped Rooney

While performances can be criticised, it must be said that Plymouth are struggling hugely with injuries to key stars at this moment in time.

Club captain Joe Edwards and first-choice goalkeeper Conor Hazard are both on the treatment table, while Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani are also out for the time being.

The loss of three attacking players has had a huge impact on their ability to play at full capacity, and Rooney will have missed out due to that.

Nevertheless, the manner of their last two defeats has caused incredible apprehension for not only supporters, but also those who run the club. If he faces similar difficulties against The U's and the Swans, then the 39-year-old may be leaving Plymouth much earlier than he had expected to.