Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has advocated for a significant overhaul at Old Trafford during the off-season, emphasizing that the squad should be structured around the leadership of captain Bruno Fernandes.
As the Premier League approaches its last matchday on Sunday, United finds itself in the eighth spot, facing the possibility of not qualifying for any European competition next season.
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Fernandes has shone brightly throughout the campaign, leading as United’s top goal scorer with 10 goals and surpassing all teammates with 7 assists in the league.
“You have to build around Bruno. He’s the one player with quality. He has got fight in him. I think you keep the young players and Bruno.
“I think it has to be a massive clearout, it has to be. It’s not going to be in one year but it’s got to be over the next couple of years,” Rooney said on Sky Sports on Wednesday.
“To compete in this league, they need better players and don’t get me wrong, these players are good players and Premier League players. But to compete with Manchester City, with Liverpool, with Arsenal they need better players.”
On Marcus Rashford, Rooney said: “We all know Marcus has got the capabilities to play at the top level. I just wonder if, for Marcus himself, is it time to go play elsewhere? I don’t know.
“I think he has to ask himself that question. I want him to stay, to break records at this club. But he needs to get his head right, get his head down and get back to the player we know he can be.”
United beat Newcastle United 3-2 in their last home match of the season on Wednesday, following which Erik ten Hag addressed the fans at Old Trafford and issued a rallying cry for their FA Cup final clash against Man City.
“It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team,” Ten Hag said.
“The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.
“And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.
“And be assured, you will be there supporting us. Thank you, you are the best supporters in the world, thank you.”
