Daniel Farke: Plymouth boss makes Wayne Rooney admission amid Leeds United link

Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher has admitted that Wayne Rooney is a 'top manager' following speculation linking the Rams boss with the vacant Leeds United job.

The Whites are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Jesse Marsch last week following a poor run of form in the Premier League. Rooney, who has impressed at Derby County, is one of the names that has been linked with the role at Elland Road.

And when asked about Rooney's credentials for the Leeds job, Schumacher was full of praise for the former Manchester United and England striker.

"He's a top manager," Schumacher said. "He's done a great job at Derby, and he's a young, exciting manager. He's got a great philosophy and he's got a great way of playing. I think he would be a great fit for Leeds United and can't see why he wouldn't be considered by the club.

Schumacher also revealed that he had spoken to Rooney recently and admitted it was the first time he had come across him as a manager. He said the Rams boss has a great personality.

Rooney is one of several managers who have been linked with the Leeds job, with former Burnley boss Sean Dyche and ex-Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder also among the contenders.

Leeds are currently 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone. The Whites have won just four of their last 15 league games and are in desperate need of a change in fortunes.

It remains to be seen whether Rooney will be appointed as the new Leeds manager, but he is certainly a credible candidate for the role. The former England captain has a proven track record of success in management.

Under Rooney's guidance, Derby finished 21st in the Championship last season, just one point above the relegation zone. However, the Rams were deducted 21 points during the campaign for financial irregularities.

Despite the points deduction, Rooney guided Derby to safety and was rewarded with a new contract in the summer. The Rams are currently 10th in the League One table, just three points outside the play-off places.

Rooney's success at Derby has led to him being linked with a number of jobs in the Championship and the Premier League. The Leeds job is one of the most high-profile vacancies in English football, and it would be a major coup for the Whites if they could appoint Rooney as their new manager.