Wayne Rooney has slammed Manchester United stars after a string of ‘unacceptable’ results, asking questions about their attitudes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been the focus of media attention since last Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford. Following the Reds’ 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United, questions have been asked over the Norwegian’s viability to lead the team, with many calling for the club to sack him imminently.
While things are not that simple when it comes to dismissing and hiring a manager, Manchester United have probably postponed Solskjaer’s fate by a few weeks. The next few games, rather tough ones against Tottenham and Manchester City, could define the Norwegian’s future at the club.
Many pundits, particularly ex-Manchester United players, have asked questions of the players and their attitude towards playing for such a massive club. Many of the club’s star names have failed to deliver on the big stage, with Cristiano Ronaldo and his attacking colleagues being accused of lacking the tactical nous in such clashes.
Gary Neville recently tore into the Manchester United players, suggesting they need to take up some level of responsibility for their displays. Rio Ferdinand has also had his say, and now Wayne Rooney has decided to weigh in his thoughts on the situation at the club.
Rooney, now managing Derby County, has criticised the players for a lack of desire to win games. As quoted by Daily Mirror the Manchester United legend has said that these stars need to take responsibility for the club’s plight, and that the blame should not be only on the manager.
Rooney said, “There is a big responsibility on those players. They are world-class players, international players, and a club like United need more. Those players need to be hurt, need to feel when you lose games how much it hurts you.”
“I’m seeing too many players not willing to run back, not willing to defend and not willing to put everything on the line for that club, and that’s not acceptable. Are you telling me that’s the manager’s fault or the players’ fault? I don’t know.”
“The players have to question themselves. It’s too easy for the manager to take all the stick when those players are being paid a lot of money to do the job, and I don’t think they’re doing it well enough.”
Furthermore, Manchester United’s record goal-scorer admitted his former colleague Solskjaer remains in a difficult position. He did stop short of calling for his sacking while backing him to fight back and regain some lost ground.
Rooney continued, “United are going through a difficult period – a difficult couple of weeks. Obviously, there’s pressure on Ole – everyone can see that. But I know Ole, and he’s a fighter. He’ll keep doing the right things, believing in what he believes in, and trying to get more out of those players.”
As things stand, Solskjaer’s fate appears to be a formality. However, with Manchester United set to face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, it will be interesting to see if they can start turning their fortunes around at long last.
