Wayne Rooney, a Manchester United icon, has launched a scathing critique of the club’s leadership, directing his frustrations at the board and INEOS, the new minority shareholders, for their continued backing of under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.
Rooney’s disappointment with the club’s current trajectory was evident in his harsh words, as he questioned the decision to retain Ten Hag despite the team’s ongoing poor performances and the noticeable decline in form among several key players under his management.
In a passionate statement, Rooney expressed his disbelief over the current situation at Old Trafford. “It’s incredibly frustrating! INEOS steps in, and instead of making the necessary changes, they’re sticking with Ten Hag? That’s unbelievable! Nearly the entire squad is off form. We’ve got six or seven players underperforming—how can that happen all at once? Players are getting worse week after week. There’s clearly something wrong with his management, and nobody is addressing it.”
Rooney, now managing Birmingham City after a successful stint at D.C. United in the MLS, is well-known for his straightforward opinions. His comments reflect the growing unease among Manchester United fans and former players, who are becoming increasingly critical of the club’s direction under Ten Hag. This discontent stems from a significant drop in form from many players, which has left supporters questioning the club’s leadership and decision-making.
Ten Hag was appointed as Manchester United manager in the summer of 2022, arriving with high expectations following his successful tenure at Ajax, where he built a strong, youthful squad. While his first season showed promise, with United finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup, the 2023-24 season has been disastrous. A string of poor performances, coupled with disappointing results and apparent player dissatisfaction, has left the club in turmoil.
Rooney’s concerns mirror those of many fans who have watched key players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bruno Fernandes struggle under Ten Hag’s guidance. “These are world-class players, but they’re nowhere near their best. How does that happen to so many players at the same time? It’s obvious there’s a management issue. There’s no confidence, no cohesion, no clear style of play—it’s a complete mess,” Rooney argued.
Rooney’s remarks come as INEOS, led by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, finalizes its acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United. Ratcliffe has vowed to help restore the club to its former glory, but the continued support for Ten Hag has sparked frustration among fans who are desperate for change.
With United struggling to stay in the Premier League’s top-four race, many supporters feel the leadership, including CEO Richard Arnold, has failed to address the deeper issues affecting the squad. Reports suggest there is a breakdown in communication between the players and the manager, with some stars reportedly unhappy with Ten Hag’s tactics and approach to management.
Rooney’s criticism has drawn widespread attention, fueling speculation that his words may increase pressure on INEOS to reconsider their support for Ten Hag. Some pundits even suggest that Rooney, with his vast experience and deep connection to the club, may be positioning himself as a potential future manager for Manchester United.
“United need to wake up before it’s too late,” Rooney warned. “The club can’t afford another season like this. The fans, the players, and the entire institution deserve better. It’s time for change.”
As Rooney’s comments continue to resonate, all eyes are on the Manchester United leadership to see whether they will take action or remain committed to Ten Hag, despite the ongoing struggles and growing discontent among the fanbase.