Leeds 3-0 Plymouth: Wayne Rooney is goaded by dwelling followers as his aspect are outclassed from begin to end in defeat at Elland Street

Say what you want about Wayne Rooney, and lots of have all through his storied profession, however you can not deny the thickness of his pores and skin.

The previous England captain is a determine of hate with Leeds followers attributable to his legendary standing at bitter rivals Manchester United.

Simply as he had been right here on New Yr’s Day, when his Birmingham aspect misplaced 3-0, Rooney was subjected to some vicious abuse from the house stands.

After Plymouth had been outclassed from begin to end, Rooney denied listening to the boos, jeers and expletive-laden chants that when once more got here his means at Elland Street.

‘I didn’t hear something, perhaps they will sing a bit louder,’ he mentioned with a wry smile.

Rooney was axed lower than 24 hours after Birmingham obtained battered right here on January 1 and Leeds followers once more mocked him that he was ‘getting sacked within the morning’.

That won’t occur this time round, however this was one other chastening expertise for the 39-year-old.

Rooney performed with a six-man defence and rested various gamers after prioritising Tuesday’s go to of relegation rivals Portsmouth.

Leeds had been 3-0 up at half-time and in whole management after having fun with round 80 per cent of possession. It took them half an hour to attain, although, when Wales winger Dan James hit an unstoppable 25-yard shot into the highest nook.

Joel Piroe then tapped dwelling from shut vary earlier than Brenden Aaronson’s cool end made it 3-0.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke introduced on youngsters Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew and up to date signing Josuha Guilavogui for his or her debuts within the remaining quarter.

Farke, whose aspect journey to Millwall on Wednesday, mentioned: ‘We had been in whole management and that is what I like — if you end up so dominant.

‘Within the first half we had been throughout them, created many good conditions and scored three good targets.

‘We might’ve been a bit tidier within the second half, however we didn’t concede and as we speak was a time to present some debuts and likewise avoid wasting vitality forward of a troublesome week.’

Leeds are unbeaten in eight as perception grows that they will return to the Premier League.

Rooney added: ‘They’re an excellent group and something however promotion for Leeds this season could be a failure.’