Rooney speaks of sadness at death of Eriksson

Wayne Rooney shrugged off the disappointment of defeat to pay a warm tribute to his former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The 38-year-old endured another reverse in his managerial career as Watford saw off his Plymouth team to earn a place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The Hertfordshire side, managed by Rooney’s former Manchester United team-mate Tom Cleverley, eased through with goals in the 17th and 72nd minutes from striker Mileta Rajovic – and it could have been more but for goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw on his Argyle debut.

Rooney, with only one win this season, admitted that his much-changed side could have been better in and out of possession. He faces a struggle to turn Plymouth around but found time to speak touchingly of Eriksson, who died on Monday.

“The feeling is sadness of course,” he said. “He played such a big part in my career and gave me my England debut. It’s always sad when someone you’re close to loses their life. I know Sven will be looking down and we have to celebrate his life because he was such a big character, a big person.

“He was vital to all the players who played under him. He’ll be sorely missed.”

Cleverley, who also played for England under Eriksson and joined Rooney in paying tribute, has won five out of five this season, in sharp contrast to his former team-mate.

He hailed Rajovic, saying: “He’s a real goalscorer. He puts his name in the hat to be selected and he has scored some big goals for me in my short time as head coach. He trains 100 per cent every day – first on the training pitch and last off.”

Rajovic justified that praise with a cheeky flick from close range to put Watford ahead and a hooked effort from the edge of the six-yard box to seal the victory, with Ryan Hardie hitting the post for Argyle.

Rooney agreed that it was a fair result, but warned his players that they must start winning games in the Championship.
“We have an important game on Saturday at home to Stoke City and we are moving ahead. I can see a lot of developments, both in the team and in individuals.”

Match details

Watford (3-4-2-1) Bond; Morris, Sierralta (Tikvic 65), Porteous; Andrews, Dele-Bashiru (Ramirez-Espain 75), Louza (Kayembe 23), Sema; Baah (Vata 64), Ince; Rajovic (Doumbia 75). Subs Larouci, Marriott, Pollock, Sissoko.
Booked Morris, Dele-Bashiru, Tikvic.
Plymouth (3-4-2-1) Grimshaw; Ogbeta, Houghton (Randell 74), Pleguezuelo; Szucs, Wright, Obafemi, Bundu (Cissoko 74); Gyabi (Jenkins-Davies 86), Galloway (Gibson 46); Sorinola (Hardie 65). Subs Edwards, Hazard, Mumba, Whittaker. Booked Houghton.
Referee Andy Davies (Hampshire).