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Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has questioned the players as the club's struggles this season continue. The England and Old Trafford legend highlighted a long-standing issue that manager Erik ten Hag has to resolve if he aims to have any success at the club.
The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the 2024/25 season with just two wins from their opening seven Premier League matches. With three losses during that period, Ten Hag’s side find themselves in 14th place in the table.
The Europa League has also not been kinder to the 20-time English champions as they have two points from their first two matches. With the international break ongoing, players and fans have had time to analyze the performances and identify possible solutions to their troubles.
Club legend Wayne Rooney spoke about Ten Hag's side's struggles this season on The Overlap. He admitted that there were no leaders in the current United side.
"For Manchester United, that’s [pressure] 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," the 38-year-old said.
“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," he added.
Rooney reminisced about his time at the club and how leadership from players was a key aspect under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who left the club over a decade ago.
"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," Rooney admitted.
The former Everton and Manchester United forward who retired in 2021, is currently managing Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
"It's not a positive moment" - Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Rooney's words can be assumed to be aimed at club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off in consecutive matches against Tottenham Hotspur and FC Porto. Although his red card in the Premier League was rescinded, he has been underwhelming this season.
Speaking to the press ahead of Portugal's UEFA Nations League game against Poland, Bruno admitted that the environment at the club is not conducive to optimal performances.
"It's not a positive moment. We're not winning games and the national team space is completely different," he admitted (via ESPN). "I've felt very at ease, the dynamics are very good. I'm in my country, I speak my language and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team."
"It's a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side," Bruno added.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to be back in the starting line-up for Manchester United when club football resumes next week. Ten Hag’s men are next in action on Saturday, October 19, when they host Brentford at Old Trafford.
