Wayne Rooney says the Manchester United players must take some responsibility for the club’s current problems.
The former Manchester United striker, who was recently appointed Birmingham City manager, was asked if he had any sympathy for Erik ten Hag after a slow start to the season.
Rooney stressed that pressure comes with the job and it is something managers must deal with, especially at the highest level. United’s all-time record goalscorer also believes the players can do more to help Ten Hag.
“That’s part of the job and we all know that when we take jobs – whatever job that is,” Rooney told reporters when asked about the pressure Ten Hag is facing at Old Trafford this season.
“I know that coming here [Birmingham City] there’s a lot of pressure and I’m sure Erik ten Hag knows that at Manchester United. It’s not going as well as they would like, but I think the players need to take a lot of responsibility as well. I know some of the players in there and they are not performing to the levels I know they can.
“But, of course, it starts and ends with the manager. That’s part of being a manager. He will get the critics, of course, after the last few weeks but I think the players could do a lot more than what they are doing for him.”
"He will get the critics, but I think the players can do a lot more" 🗣
Former Man United forward Wayne Rooney on Erik Ten Hag, who has come under pressure after the clubs recent results and performances ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/U9I1kmOIPg
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 2, 2023
Video courtesy of Sky Sports News
After getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, United look at the Premier League table and find themselves positioned 8th. On top of that, we are walking a tightrope in the Champions League and could miss out on a place in the knockout rounds.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
