Wayne Rooney: ‘Manchester United can’t afford to fail again’

DERBY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Wayne Rooney the manager / head coach of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Millwall at Pride Park Stadium on February 23, 2022 in Derby, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
DERBY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Wayne Rooney the manager / head coach of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Millwall at Pride Park Stadium on February 23, 2022 in Derby, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s all-time goal score, Wayne Rooney, say’s the club cannot afford to fail again in it’s search for the manager to take them forward.

The now Derby County boss believes former Tottenham Hotspur and current Paris Saint Germain manager, Mauricio Pochettino, would be a better fit for the club, instead of Ajax’s Erik ten Hag.

Rooney also suggested it may be time for Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo, to move on from Old Trafford.

"“There hasn’t been a settled manager there since Alex Ferguson. The new manager needs time,” Rooney said.“It didn’t work with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and it hasn’t worked with the new manager who has come in.“Pochettino is a top manager and he knows how to work with top-class players and young players. They need to get that blend right because they can’t afford to fail again.” (via Sky Sports)"

Rooney believes it’s been a ‘strange’ season for United, saying every time he watches the team play, he feels as though he is watching eleven individuals.

"“I have been [to watch Manchester United] a few times and it looks like a team of individuals,” Rooney said.“They would want the season to stop now and forget about qualifying for the Champions league. They are not going to compete next season in the Champions League.“They have to rebuild and put themselves in a place, in three years time, where they can challenge again for the Premier League.”"

The 36-year-old also believes the club would benefit from a clear out, moving on from some high earners, in favour of a new, younger side.

"“It would be better for Paul Pogba to move on,” Rooney said.“He hasn’t had the impact he would have liked. He’s looked a completely different player for France. It hasn’t quite worked at Manchester United. There are few players they need to let go.“Ronaldo has scored important goals but looking to the future of the club you have to go with younger, hungry players. Cristiano is getting on a bit, that is football. He is a goal threat but in the rest of the game they need more.”"

It appears as though the former England International speaks for most United fans, wanting more progression on the field and a plan for the future, only time will tell if his comments weigh in on the club’s boardroom decisions.