Wayne Rooney’s tenure as Plymouth Argyle boss got off to a disastrous start, with his team succumbing to a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday. The legendary former England striker was left powerless in his technical area as his side conceded four goals and managed a paltry 30 shots.

Rooney’s previous managerial stint at Birmingham City ended in ignominy, and this result will do little to dispel concerns about his ability to inspire his teams. Despite his commitment to football, Rooney’s men looked woefully out of sorts, with two players, Adam Forshaw and Ibrahim Cissoko, even being handed jerseys with their names misspelt.

There was an awful start to life as Plymouth Argyle boss for Wayne Rooney on Sunday

Rooney’s passion for football is undeniable, and he has spoken about how the sport is a “drug” that he needs. But his ability to translate that passion into results on the pitch remains a concern. Despite his best efforts, Plymouth looked like a team in disarray, with little cohesion or direction.

The former Manchester United and Everton striker has spoken about how he has learned from his previous managerial stints, but this result will do little to inspire confidence. Rooney’s men looked like they were still in pre-season mode, with little intensity or urgency in their play.

The Pilgrims were thrashed 4-0 by Sheffield Wednesday in their first match under Rooney

Rooney’s post-match comments will do little to reassure Plymouth fans, as he admitted that his team’s performance was “not good enough” but insisted that he remained encouraged by the work they had done in pre-season. It remains to be seen whether Rooney can turn things around and inspire his team to better results.

The defeat was compounded by the fact that Wednesday debutant Jamal Lowe fired in a first-half opener, before the floodgates opened in the second half. Brendan Galloway headed into his own net, and Josh Windass slammed home a third before substitute Michael Smith rubbed salt in Rooney’s wounds with a late fourth.

Josh Windass scored alongside Max Lowe, Brandon Galloway and Michael Smith

Rooney was subjected to vicious taunts from the home supporters, but he remained defiant, insisting that it was too early to panic. Only time will tell if he can turn things around and inspire his team to better results.