Wayne Rooney has expressed his belief that Manchester United appears “lost” and “scared” during matches, suggesting that “10 to 15 players need to depart the club.”
Currently, the team is positioned 14th in the Premier League, having secured only nine victories out of 28 matches this season.
This includes a mere five wins in the last 17 league games under Ruben Amorim, who took over after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, during which the team has endured eight losses.
Rooney, the club’s all-time leading scorer, stated on Stick to Football when asked about the potential for recovery with the existing squad: “No, I don’t think so. They appear lost. They seem frightened and hesitant to make mistakes.
“Bruno (Fernandes) is the only one consistently delivering, although he can be frustrating at times. However, significant changes to the squad are necessary. I believe 10 to 15 players should leave the club.
“Of course, that may not be feasible, but there is a mentality issue where things are not functioning properly. Players are passing the ball to one another without anyone taking responsibility.”
Rooney, who identified captain Fernandes and 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as players worth retaining, further remarked: “There seems to be a culture where losing games has become too acceptable, and then you hear them say, ‘on to the next one,’ which is frustrating.
“What they need to do is demonstrate their character and determination on the pitch.
“It’s painful to watch. As someone from Liverpool who spent many years at Manchester United, I genuinely want the club to succeed. With my children in the academy there, witnessing this situation is disheartening.”
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated during a comprehensive interview with the BBC on Monday that certain players at the club are “not good enough” and that “some are likely overpaid.”
In response to these remarks on Wednesday, prior to the Europa League last-16 second leg against Real Sociedad scheduled for Thursday, Amorim commented, “If we are to be truthful, everyone—including myself and all the players—has been underperforming this season, and we have the opportunity to improve that.”
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