Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has delivered a scathing assessment of the current squad, claiming there is no way back for the struggling side. With the Red Devils enduring their worst season in the modern era, Rooney has called for a massive squad overhaul, suggesting that up to 15 players need to be offloaded for the club to be competitive again.
Manchester United’s Struggles Continue
The 2024/25 season has been nothing short of disastrous for Manchester United. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, the team finds itself languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with only the UEFA Europa League left as a potential avenue for success. The once-mighty club has suffered from inconsistency, poor performances, and a lack of leadership on the pitch, leading to mounting frustration among fans and former players alike.
Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer and a club legend, has been vocal about the team’s issues. Speaking about the current squad, he did not mince his words, stating that the team lacks direction, mentality, and accountability.
“No, I don’t think there is a way back for this squad,” Rooney said when asked about the future of the team. “They look lost. They look scared. Bruno Fernandes is the only one who keeps producing. He annoys you at times, but he keeps delivering.”
Rooney Calls for a Major Overhaul
Rooney’s solution to Manchester United’s struggles is radical but, in his eyes, necessary. He believes that the club needs to part ways with a significant portion of the squad to rebuild from the ground up.
“They need massive changes to the squad. I think 10-15 players need to leave the club. Obviously, that’s not realistic to do all at once, but there is a mentality issue. No one is taking responsibility in the squad.”
Rooney also pointed out that Manchester United’s culture has allowed complacency to creep in, with players seemingly unaffected by losses.
“There’s a culture at the club where it’s too easy to lose games. Players come out and say, ‘Onto the next one’ – all that rubbish. Show some character and fight on the pitch. It’s bad watching, and it hurts.”
As someone who spent over a decade at Old Trafford, winning multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League, Rooney knows what it takes to succeed at the club. He believes that only a few players in the current squad have the right mentality and ability to drive the club forward.
“I’d keep Bruno and Kobbie Mainoo. These are the type of players United need to build around.”
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Support and United’s Structural Issues
Rooney also revealed that his former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, still reaches out to him after every managerial setback he has faced.
“Every time I get sacked from a managerial job, I get a text from Sir Alex,” he said with a smile, acknowledging the legendary coach’s continued support.
While Rooney’s criticism focused on the players, United’s problems run much deeper. The club’s financial situation has worsened under the Glazer family’s ownership, and new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently admitted that United had been poorly managed for over a decade.
Ratcliffe’s decision to implement cost-cutting measures—including job redundancies—has been met with mixed reactions. While the billionaire businessman is looking to stabilize the club financially, former United captain Roy Keane criticized the way the situation has been handled.
“On one hand, they’re getting rid of a lot of staff, and on the other, they’re planning to spend £2 billion on a new stadium. You have to treat people with more respect,” Keane remarked.
Ratcliffe has openly admitted that the club has made huge financial mistakes, particularly in recruitment. The club has lost over £410 million in the past seven years due to expensive signings that have failed to deliver.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
Despite the turmoil, Manchester United still have a chance to salvage something from the season through the Europa League. The Red Devils are set to face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their last-16 tie, hoping to progress and keep their European hopes alive.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the club means that big decisions must be made in the summer. With Rooney’s call for an overhaul, pressure will mount on Ratcliffe, Amorim, and United’s board to make sweeping changes.
The question remains: will United finally take the bold steps needed to return to their former glory, or will they continue to drift further away from their once-dominant position in English and European football?
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