Wayne Rooney tells Man United’s underperforming stars to “take responsibility” as he insists they “can do a lot more” as pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag following successive defeats at Old Trafford
- Man United have lost eight games this season, including two in the last week
- The pressure is growing on Erik ten Hag but Rooney wants the players to get stronger
- Is Erik ten Hag overwhelmed at Man United? Listen here It’s starting
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer, believes the team’s current players need to start taking responsibility for their performances after a disastrous start to the season.
The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League and ended their trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup last season. However, they have not been able to back up these results so far this season.
United have lost eight of their 15 games in all competitions and suffered consecutive 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle at Old Trafford this week.
Pressure is mounting on coach Erik ten Hag and Gary Neville hinted he could be sacked soon after the team’s latest defeat on Wednesday, but Rooney, who recently returned to England to manage Birmingham City, believes that the players must take their share of the blame and step up to save their season.
“That’s the job,” Rooney said when asked about the pressure Ten Hag faces.
Wayne Rooney has urged Man United players to take “responsibility” for their performances
Rooney believes the players “can do a lot more” to turn the team’s season around
The pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag as his side have lost eight of their 15 games this season
“It’s part of the job, we all know that when we take jobs.” I know I’m coming here [Birmingham City] There is a lot of pressure. I’m sure Ten Hag knows that at Man United.
“It’s not going as well as they would have liked or hoped, but the players have to take responsibility. “I know some players who don’t reach the level that I think they have.
“Of course everything starts and ends with the manager, that’s part of being a manager. You’ll get the criticism in the last few weeks, but the players can do a lot more.”
Rooney’s comments come amid reports that discontent is simmering in the United dressing room and some players believe Ten Hag has favorites in the squad who he continues to protect.
Paul Merson also believes Ten Hag have “lost the players” after watching the team suffer a one-sided defeat to Newcastle following their exit from the Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag has reportedly held one-on-one meetings with his players to resolve dressing room unrest, but he needs to start producing positive results on the pitch to remain in the Old Trafford dugout.
United are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Fulham before facing FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and hosting Luton next weekend in what promises to be a crucial week of their season.