Phelan joins Rooney as assistant head coach at Plymouth Argyle

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has joined Wayne Rooney’s coaching staff as the new assistant head coach at Plymouth Argyle.

The 62-year-old, who served for nine years across two stints at Old Trafford, steps in to replace Pete Shuttleworth, who departed the club by mutual agreement.

“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,” said Rooney in a statement on Plymouth’s website.

“I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately.”

Mike Phelan’s arrival at Plymouth Argyle follows a challenging spell for the club, which has managed just one win in their last nine matches.

The Pilgrims have struggled defensively, conceding 10 goals in their previous two outings—a crushing 6-1 loss to Norwich City and a 4-0 defeat to Bristol City.

Their scheduled match against Oxford United on Saturday was postponed due to Storm Darragh, and results from other fixtures have left Argyle sitting third from bottom in the Championship standings.

Phelan replaces Pete Shuttleworth, 45, who had served as Wayne Rooney’s assistant since June. Shuttleworth has been a longstanding ally of Rooney, working alongside him at Birmingham City, DC United, and Derby County.

In addition to his club roles, Shuttleworth has experience with the Republic of Ireland national team and was part of the coaching staff for their recent UEFA Nations League match against England at Wembley.

“I am sad to see Pete leave the club,” added Rooney. “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 Phelan brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously worked with Wayne Rooney during their time together at Manchester United. Phelan was part of the coaching team that guided the Red Devils to three Premier League titles, a FIFA Club World Cup, two League Cups, and two Champions League finals.

His first stint at Old Trafford ended in 2013 following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Phelan later returned in 2018 to assist Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remaining with the club until 2022.