WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United legend Rooney took the reins at Home Park a year ago. He would last just 25 games in that role before agreeing to walk away from a challenging post at the end of 2024.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Plymouth went on to suffer relegation out of the Championship, despite enjoying a memorable FA Cup run that included a win over Premier League champions Liverpool, and former Watford manager Cleverley has been tasked with guiding the club to promotion out of League One in 2025-26.
GettyDID YOU KNOW
Cleverley is looking forward to that quest having spoken with former United and England colleague Rooney about what to expect from life in Devon at a club that prides itself on punching above its weight.
WHAT CLEVERLEY SAID
Cleverley said of seeking advice from Rooney before agreeing to head for the south coast: "I spoke not just with Wayne but other people who I know that have played for or coached at the club.
"He gave the club and the place a glowing reference and he’s obviously someone’s opinion that I can trust. I played with him for many years and I think it’s important that I did some references, but most of all is what I see now through my own eyes.
"That will really start on Monday when I get on the pitch with the players and I make my own judgements, but I like to thoroughly research whatever I’m about to dive in to and the references were glowing."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Cleverley, who won the Premier League title alongside Rooney at Old Trafford in 2013, has become Plymouth’s fifth permanent manager in the last 18 months - with stability clearly required if they are to deliver on expectations.