By Boluwatife Kehinde
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has recently voiced serious concerns regarding the troubled state of his former club.
He highlighted a stark decline in the club’s spirit and identity, suggesting that these elements have significantly eroded over recent times.
Rooney’s comments come amid growing frustration from fans and analysts alike about the team’s performance and overall direction.
READ ALSO: Rooney criticises Manchester United’s decline
In a poignant discussion aired during a recent episode of The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, he described the current atmosphere surrounding the club as “broken.”
Rooney admitted that watching matches has become a source of anxiety rather than excitement, revealing that he now approaches games with the expectation of witnessing yet another defeat, rather than a hopeful anticipation of victory.
Reflecting on Manchester United’s recent form, Rooney pointed to a particularly disheartening 3-1 loss at Brentford, which left the team languishing with a mere 34 points from 33 league matches under the management of Ruben Amorim.
This season has been marked by inconsistency, as the team has yet to achieve two consecutive wins, a situation that is increasingly alarming for both supporters and stakeholders.
Despite the clamour for change among fans, the club reportedly remains committed to backing Amorim as their head coach, even amid their troubling position, currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League standings.
However, Rooney expressed scepticism about this approach, suggesting that the lack of progress displays a need for reevaluation.
Notably, Rooney also pointed out that some players may not be living up to the club’s storied expectations.
He stressed that the team requires a complete overhaul—or as he put it, a “new engine”—to spur much-needed revitalisation in both performance and morale.
Supporters of Manchester United are becoming increasingly anxious about the future trajectory of the club, echoing Rooney’s sentiments about the pressing need for changes.
“I do not see any signs of improvement or hope that inspires confidence,” Rooney remarked, drawing on his extensive experience from a distinguished 13-year playing career at Old Trafford, during which he secured five league titles.
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“In my view, significant changes are necessary. Whether that involves rethinking our managerial strategy, restructuring the squad, or addressing other fundamental aspects of the club, whatever it takes to restore Manchester United to its former glory must be prioritised.”
Rooney’s insights underscore the critical juncture at which Manchester United currently finds itself, as the club grapples with its identity and seeks to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in both English and European football.
