‘Plymouth u18s wouldn’t concede 6 goals’ – Rooney slams side after Norwich rout

Wayne Rooney says Plymouth Argyle's under-18s side would have performed better than his first team in their humiliating 6-1 defeat to Norwich City.

The former England captain suffered his heaviest defeat against the Pilgrims, who sit just two points outside the relegation zone after failing to win an away game all season.

Plymouth, who were missing skipper Joe Edwards, goalkeeper Connor Hazard and Morgan Whittaker through injury, recorded an xG of 0.62 compared to Norwich's 3.15.

The visitors also had only 27.5% possession and Rooney was vocal in his assessment of the performance at Carrow Road.

“We weren't nearly good enough,” he said. “We are down to the bone with injuries, but that is no excuse.

“But if players want to get into the team and stay in the team, they have to perform better than that. I could probably put the under-18 team there and they wouldn't concede six goals.”

“I'm very disappointed, angry and frustrated and the next 24 to 48 hours won't be very fun for the players, but we have to get to the bottom of why this is happening.”

FT. pic.twitter.com/t6JiMF85q2

— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) November 26, 2024