Wayne Rooney is fighting for his future as Plymouth Argyle manager after a nightmare run of results and is now facing two potentially pivotal home matches against Oxford and Swansea.

The former England and Manchester United striker suffered two heavy defeats in five days last week, as his injury-ravaged Argyle conceded 10 goals to leave them just above the relegation zone.

After the 4-0 thrashing at Bristol City on Saturday, Rooney admitted the result was “a big embarrassment”.

His team were also beaten 6-1 at Norwich last Tuesday, with the 39-year-old claiming the club’s under-18s would not have leaked so many goals.

Although there are no immediate plans to make a change, the two matches in succession against Oxford on Saturday and Swansea the following Tuesday at Home Park appear crucial to Rooney’s future.

In Rooney’s defence, Plymouth have an alarming list of injuries with captain Joe Edwards, Northern Ireland goalkeeper Conor Hazard and forwards Ibrahim Cissoko, Morgan Whittaker and Muhamed Tijani all absent.

Those injury problems are recognised by the club’s board, but concerns are growing over recent results. Following eight defeats from 10 away matches, fans are now starting to turn on Rooney, who was appointed in May. Some fans have even called for the return of former manager Steven Schumacher, who guided the club to the League One title in 2023 and left for Stoke City last December.

Argyle’s home form has been solid, but poor results on the road have turned up the heat and there is no question that Rooney is now under extreme pressure.

This is Rooney’s his fourth job in management after spells with Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City. His tenure with Birmingham only lasted 15 matches and he was sacked in January.

Last month it was revealed that Rooney is to be the subject of a documentary on his time with Argyle, yet it appears the clock is now ticking.