Wayne Rooney believes 10-15 players need to leave Manchester United for the club to start moving forward again.
United are 14th in the Premier League with an expensively assembled squad that has underperformed.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe took the unusual step of discussing individuals in a series of interviews this week, stating some United players are “not good enough” and “overpaid” and referenced Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund and André Onana.
Rooney agreed and believes a mass clear-out is required.
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This Manchester United squad looks lost – Rooney
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the former United and England striker said: “I don’t think [there is a way back for the current squad]. 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].”
So who would Rooney keep?
In an ideal world, Rooney says he would keep just two players, adding: “I’d keep Bruno and [Kobbie] Mainoo.
😍 @B_Fernandes8 netted a late winner in our previous #UEL outing at Old Trafford 🤌#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 13, 2025
“There is a culture at the club where it’s too easy to lose games and the players come out and say, “Onto the next one,” and all that rubbish. 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.”
United face Real Sociedad at Old Trafford tonight in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.
The first game in San Sebastián ended 1-1 and coach Ruben Amorim is desperately hoping his side can prove the critics wrong.
Everyone is underperforming – Amorim
Asked yesterday about Ratcliffe’s remarks, the Portuguese said: “Everyone is underperforming, myself and the players. We can always change that, I include myself in that part of underperforming.
“You are talking about players like Casemiro that have won everything. We know these players can play so much better, that is the focus. He was honest on that. The focus is to change his mind.
“A lot of people will say you are not good enough for the club, but my feeling is you can change that with results.
“In training I feel they want this really bad.”
