Since their last Premier League title win in 2013, which coincided with Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the Red Devils have been in steady decline. ..Continue Reading
This season has been particularly dire, with the team languishing in 14th place and seemingly headed for their worst-ever Premier League campaign.
Under manager Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November, United has managed just five league victories, prompting Rooney to call for a complete overhaul of the squad.
Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, Rooney was asked whether there is any hope for the current team to turn things around.
He replied: “No, I don’t think so. They look lost. They look scared. Bruno [Fernandes] is the one who keeps producing, he annoys you at times but keeps producing. They need massive changes to the squad, I think 10-15 players need to leave the club.
“Obviously, they can’t do that, but there is a mentality there where no one is taking responsibility [in the squad].” Rooney then singled out just two players he’d keep from the current line-up.
“I’d keep Bruno and [Kobbie] Mainoo,” he said, adding: “There’s a culture at the club where it’s too easy to lose games and the players just shrug it off and say ‘onto the next one,’ and all that nonsense.
“Just show some character and fight on the pitch. It’s bad watching, it hurts. Being from Liverpool but spending so many years at United, I want the team to do well, I’ve got my kids in the academy, and it hurts watching them.”
Rooney is eager for a significant overhaul at Old Trafford, but Amorim has hinted that he has already mapped out his plans for the 2025/26 season.
The upcoming summer transfer window could be a defining period for United as they work to reshape the squad according to their manager’s vision.
However, they must proceed carefully, especially after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed the shocking news that the club would have been close to financial collapse later this year if they hadn’t begun making major behind-the-scenes adjustments.
Speaking to the press, Amorim said: “We have a clear plan to address next season. Of course, we have Europa League also and you can reach the Champions League – you never know.
“It’s far from this moment, but you never know – you can change the preparation for next season. We have a plan, we know what to do.
“We know that we are in a difficult moment, but the most important thing again is to have a plan, and to know what to do and to know what kind of players you need to bring.”
When quizzed about whether his strategy might include selling star players, he didn’t dismiss the chance of headline acts leaving the team.
The manager added: “We’ll see, in this moment we’re just focused especially in this competition that can change everything. So let’s focus on the game tomorrow.”
