Wayne Rooney hires former Man United coach after Plymouth assistant leaves

Phelan was formerly assistant at Manchester United across two spells, the first of which was when Rooney was part of their squad.

The pair have now been reunited at Home Park with Plymouth in the Championship following Shuttleworth's exit for personal reasons.

"I am sad to see Pete leave the club," Rooney said in a club statement. "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."

Speaking on the arrival of Phelan, he added: "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.

READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEY

Wayne Rooney under pressure as Plymouth boss ahead of crunch Championship games

Coleen Rooney shocks I'm A Celebrity campmates with Wayne Rooney proposal confession

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

Neil Dewsnip, Plymouth's director of football, also said: "I want to thank Pete for all his support and efforts since joining Argyle in the summer.

"We are thrilled to bring in someone of Mike's calibre so quickly as a replacement.

"He is one of the most experienced coaches around having worked with some of the best players in the world and obviously has a relationship with Wayne already from their time together at Manchester United.

Most read in Championship

Postecoglou admits he can't ask for patience as unique stat highlights defensive woes

'I'd rather take the blame' - Son issues demand to Tottenham fans in emotional interview

Chelsea fans love what Jadon Sancho did to Tottenham corner flag in unseen moment

PGMOL release statement after Chelsea star Moises Caicedo avoids red card

"We look forward to seeing his work have an immediate impact on the group and hope his experience will provide the perfect support to Wayne as we head into a very busy period of fixtures."

Phelan's coaching career began in 1995 at Norwich City as assistant to Gary Megson, who he followed to Blackpool and Stockport County.

He then joined United as an assistant manager for Sir Alex Ferguson with whom he won three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ferguson's retirement in 2013 also saw Phelan leave Old Trafford, though he returned in 2018 after spells at Norwich and Hull City.

Phelan remained at United until 2022 but will now be tasked with helping club legend Rooney with his tenure at Plymouth.

The Pilgrims are 22nd in the Championship and take up the first relegation spot as they sit behind Cardiff City on goal difference.

Plymouth have won just two of their last ten league matches and talkSPORT understands Rooney is under pressure at the club.

It is understood that they want to give him time to turn things around though, with a busy festive period on the horizon.

Ex-Manchester United coach Mike Phelan recalls the fear of being sacked by Sir Alex Ferguson over the famous 'balloon incident'