Leeds 3-0 Plymouth: Wayne Rooney is goaded by home fans as his side are outclassed from start to finish in defeat at Elland Road
- Leeds won thanks to Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson goals
- Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney was subjected to vicious abuse from home stands
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Say what you like about Wayne Rooney, and many have throughout his storied career, but you cannot deny the thickness of his skin.
The former England captain is a figure of hate with Leeds fans due to his legendary status at bitter rivals Manchester United.
Just as he had been here on New Year’s Day, when his Birmingham side lost 3-0, Rooney was subjected to some vicious abuse from the home stands.
After Plymouth were outclassed from start to finish, Rooney denied hearing the boos, jeers and expletive-laden chants that once again came his way at Elland Road.
‘I didn’t hear anything, maybe they can sing a bit louder,’ he said with a wry smile.
Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney was subjected to vicious abuse from Leeds fans on Saturday
Leeds beat Plymouth thanks to goals by Dan James, Joel Piroe (right) and Brenden Aaronson
Rooney was axed less than 24 hours after Birmingham got battered here on January 1 and Leeds fans again mocked him that he was ‘getting sacked in the morning’.
That will not happen this time around, but this was another chastening experience for the 39-year-old.
Rooney played with a six-man defence and rested a number of players after prioritising Tuesday’s visit of relegation rivals Portsmouth.
Leeds were 3-0 up at half-time and in total control after enjoying around 80 per cent of possession. It took them half an hour to score, though, when Wales winger Dan James hit an unstoppable 25-yard shot into the top corner.
Joel Piroe then tapped home from close range before Brenden Aaronson’s cool finish made it 3-0.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke brought on teenagers Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew and recent signing Josuha Guilavogui for their debuts in the final quarter.
Farke, whose side travel to Millwall on Wednesday, said: ‘We were in total control and this is what I love — when you are so dominant.
‘In the first half we were all over them, created many good situations and scored three good goals.
Rooney played with a six-man defence and rested a number of players ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Portsmouth
‘We could’ve been a bit tidier in the second half, but we didn’t concede and today was a time to give some debuts and also save some energy ahead of a tough week.’
Leeds are unbeaten in eight as belief grows that they can return to the Premier League.
Rooney added: ‘They’re a very good team and anything but promotion for Leeds this season would be a failure.’
