Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has lambasted the current crop of players at Old Trafford, questioning their ability to lead the team.
Rooney’s comments come as United struggles in the Premier League, sitting 14th with just two wins in seven matches.
Rooney, speaking on The Overlap, emphasized the lack of captaincy material in the squad. “If you look at Manchester United now and look at the teams in the past, you’ve got five or six captains in every team. You look now, I don’t see one,” he said. This criticism raises concerns about the team’s leadership and ability to navigate pressure.
Rooney attributed United’s struggles to the players’ mindset, citing their inability to handle criticism and praise. “For Manchester United, that’s never going to stop, and that’s down to the players’ mindset. You play for Man United; you’re going to get criticised and get praised.” He added, “You see it in the news; it’s constant on Manchester United. I don’t think the players can deal with it. That’s the issue.”
Bruno Fernandes currently wears the captain’s armband, having taken over from Harry Maguire two seasons ago. However, Rooney’s comments suggest that Fernandes may not be the strong leader United needs.
The Red Devils’ poor form has sparked concerns among fans and pundits. With just two wins in seven Premier League matches and two draws in the Europa League, manager Erik ten Hag faces increasing pressure to turn the season around.
Rooney’s words serve as a wake-up call for United’s players, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and mental toughness to overcome the club’s current challenges.
