Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has issued a stark warning to his old club, urging immediate action in the January transfer window to bolster their squad. Despite a crucial Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United, Rooney expressed significant concerns about the team’s ability to secure a coveted Champions League qualification spot, highlighting a perceived lack of depth and quality.
Rooney’s apprehension stems from the composition of the squad that faced Newcastle, particularly the substitutes’ bench. Five academy youngsters – Bendito Mantato, Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey, Tyler Fletcher, and Tyler Fredricson – were named, alongside only a handful of senior players like Altay Bayindir, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Tyrell Malacia. This reliance on undeveloped talent, according to Rooney, is unsustainable for a club with top-four ambitions.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney asserted, “When I look at the squad and the bench, what they’ve got there, they really need players in to try to help them challenge to get into the top four.” He acknowledged the importance of giving young players opportunities but stressed that “it needs to be at the right time as well, and it’s not; it’s not sustainable at all.”
The current predicament for manager Ruben Amorim is exacerbated by a growing injury list and international commitments. Key midfielder Bruno Fernandes was unavailable for the Newcastle clash, joining Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Kobbie Mainoo on the sidelines. Further compounding the issue, Mason Mount was forced off at half-time during the Old Trafford encounter, adding another name to the injury roster.
Beyond injuries, United is also contending with the absence of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui, all of whom are representing their respective nations at the Africa Cup of Nations. While these players are expected to return by mid-January, their temporary unavailability further strains an already stretched squad during a critical period of the season.
Rooney did not mince words regarding the team’s performance against Newcastle, despite the narrow 1-0 victory. “I was worried when I saw the performance, if I’m honest,” he remarked. He pointed to a tactical shift to a back four, noting that while the team kept a clean sheet, they “didn’t look comfortable, and Newcastle were putting them under pressure, especially in the second half.”
He further criticised the team’s approach at Old Trafford, highlighting a mere 33 per cent possession against Newcastle. “I know when the fans go to that stadium they want to see the team with the ball, they want to see them entertaining, getting crosses in the box and getting shots in. It was a poor performance, but they found a way to win,” Rooney added, underscoring the disconnect between fan expectations and on-field execution.
Manager Ruben Amorim also conceded that the performance was not among their best this season. Post-match, he stated, “We played two games in one. We had to suffer, all together, in the stadium and in the game. It was really difficult for us.” He acknowledged a strong first half but admitted, “in the second half, we just defend and try to do something with [Matheus] Cunha. We had our opportunities with transitions, but it was a good win.”
The January transfer window is set to open on Thursday, 1 January, and will remain active until 2 February. Rooney’s impassioned plea underscores the urgency for Manchester United to act decisively within this period to address critical squad deficiencies and reinforce their ambitions for a top-four finish in the highly competitive Premier League.
