Manchester United’s struggles continue to dominate headlines as club legend Wayne Rooney has delivered a brutal assessment of the team’s performance. The former United captain and all-time leading goalscorer has described the squad as looking “lost” and “scared” on the pitch while calling for a major overhaul that could see 10 to 15 players leave the club.
Rooney’s candid remarks come as United languish in 14th place in the Premier League standings falling behind teams like Brentford Bournemouth Brighton and Nottingham Forest. With only nine wins in 28 league matches and early exits from both domestic cup competitions United’s season is unraveling at an alarming rate. Their only remaining hope for silverware rests on their Europa League campaign but even that looks uncertain as they prepare for a crucial second-leg clash against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
Despite the recent managerial change that saw Ruben Amorim take over from Erik ten Hag United’s performances have shown little sign of improvement. The Portuguese coach has managed just five wins in 17 Premier League fixtures since his arrival adding to the growing frustration among fans and club legends alike.
Rooney did not hold back when asked on the Stick to Football podcast whether he saw any chance of revival with the current squad. His response was blunt and direct.
“No I don’t think so. They look lost. I think they look scared and just scared to make a mistake” Rooney said.
While he acknowledged that club captain Bruno Fernandes continues to deliver despite his inconsistency Rooney believes the squad needs a major overhaul.
“It needs massive changes to the squad. I think 10 to 15 players need to leave the club. Obviously they can’t do that but I think there is a mentality there where it’s not going right. This player will pass it on to him he’ll pass it on to him and no one is taking responsibility” he added.
The 39-year-old also pointed out a lack of leadership and accountability in the team suggesting that some players are too complacent about losing games.
“I think there is just a culture there now where it’s too easy for them to lose games and then you see them coming out with ‘on to the next one’ and all this rubbish. You’re like just show it on the pitch show some character and fight on the pitch. It’s bad watching it hurts” Rooney said.
His comments have resonated with frustrated United supporters who have watched their club slip further away from its former glory. Once a dominant force in English and European football United now finds itself struggling to keep pace with rivals and facing mounting criticism from both fans and former players.
Even United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly admitted that some of the club’s players are “not good enough” and that others are “probably overpaid.” His remarks made during a recent BBC interview reflect a growing sense of urgency within the club to address deep-rooted issues in the squad.
When Amorim was asked about Ratcliffe’s comments ahead of United’s Europa League match he acknowledged the team’s poor form.
“I think if we are being honest in this moment everybody me all the players are underperforming this season so we can always change that” Amorim said.
The question remains whether United’s leadership can implement the sweeping changes that Rooney and others believe are necessary to restore the club’s former stature. The upcoming summer transfer window could be decisive in determining the future direction of the team.
With fans growing increasingly impatient and expectations at an all-time high the pressure is on United’s management to make bold moves and reshape the squad. Whether that means a significant overhaul or strategic reinforcements one thing is clear Manchester United cannot afford another season of mediocrity.
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