admin“Only win”- Wayne Rooney makes cheeky Sunderland, Regis Le Bris comment from time at Plymouth Argyle
Wayne Rooney has made a tongue-in-cheek remark about Plymouth Argyle’s victory over Sunderland while heaping praise on Black Cats head coach Régis Le Bris.
Le Bris has attracted widespread attention for the impressive job he has done at the Stadium of Light, guiding Sunderland back to the Premier League and overseeing a strong start to life in the top flight. That run recently included a memorable 1-0 derby win over Newcastle United.
A second-half own goal from Nick Woltemade proved decisive in that match, lifting Sunderland to eighth place in the Premier League table.
The Frenchman took charge of Sunderland in July 2024 after the club had finished 16th in the Championship. In his first season, he masterminded a fourth-place finish before securing promotion via the play-offs.
However, Le Bris’ first defeat as Sunderland manager came against Rooney’s Plymouth side, who edged a dramatic 3-2 win at Home Park in September 2024, just five games into the campaign.
Rooney makes cheeky Le Bris comment
While praising Le Bris’ achievements, Rooney was quick to recall that victory — joking that it stood out because wins were rare during his time in charge of Plymouth.
Speaking via BBC Football on Instagram, Rooney said:
“That was one of my only wins, I think, with Plymouth. We played last season and it was a good game — we won late on, 3-2.
“It’s a different squad now, a different group of players. In his previous job, he was an analysis coach.
“He’s gone into management, got Sunderland promoted — which was incredible given where they were — and now has them in the Premier League.
“If you’re picking manager of the season so far, he’s right up there. I’d probably choose him over anyone else at the minute.
“It wasn’t often we won, so that’s why I remember it so much!”
In that match, Sunderland took the lead and later drew level at 2-2 through goals from Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham. However, a Dan Ballard own goal handed Plymouth a late winner and sealed Rooney’s first victory as Argyle boss.
Rooney’s spell at Home Park ultimately proved difficult. He managed just five wins in 25 matches before Plymouth were relegated from the Championship. The club now sit 21st in League One following a challenging start to the season under new head coach Tom Cleverley.
A rare highlight during a tough spell
The victory over Sunderland remains a standout moment from Rooney’s Plymouth tenure, given it was his first win and one of few bright spots during a testing period.
In contrast, Sunderland’s rise to eighth place in the Premier League since that defeat underlines just how far Le Bris has taken the club in a short space of time.
If the Black Cats continue their upward trajectory, Rooney’s fond memory of that 3-2 win may become even more significant.
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