Wayne Rooney didn't hold back after yet another setback for Manchester United. The legendary striker slammed the players for lacking character, commitment, and a basic desire to fight for the club.
The latest blow came in the form of a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, leaving fans furious and the pressure mounting on manager Michael Carrick.
United have managed to win just two of their last eleven matches, and the discontent among supporters was palpable as they booed players off the pitch at Old Trafford. Interestingly, Carrick received a few rounds of applause, signalling a division in sentiment amongst the fans.
Rooney, visibly upset by the team's performance, conveyed a desire to enter the dressing room and shake things up with a serious wake-up call for the players.
'I’d shove a firecracker up their backside'
In a recent episode of the Stick to United podcast, the former United captain pulled no punches.
Rooney expressed that he would literally want to "shove a firecracker up the players’ backside" to instil some much-needed fight in them.
He was especially incensed by the players' lack of awareness and urgency in their performance.
He remarked:
These players have no excuses. The only injustice here is how poorly they are playing.
Rooney was particularly troubled by the reaction of supporters who were forced to witness another disappointing display from their beloved team.
I looked at the fans. Their faces were filled with pain and anger while the players just strolled around the pitch.
Rooney highlights moment with Lisandro Martinez
As an example of the players' lack of fight, Rooney pointed to a moment involving defender Lisandro Martinez.
He noted the instance when Ryan bypassed the Argentine defender.
Did you see Martinez as Ryan goes past him? They don't even get close to the ball. It's incredibly frustrating.
Rooney emphasised that it's not always about exceptional skill or individual brilliance; the desire to fight for the badge should be a prerequisite for every United player.
He added:
I could score goals, I had the ability and everything, but I absolutely put in the work and ran for the team.
These players aren't doing that.
Pressure mounts on Michael Carrick
Following the defeat to Bournemouth, Carrick's position is becoming increasingly precarious.
Manchester United continue to drop points, and the grievance from fans is not only directed at results but also at the players' attitudes during matches.
While Rooney focused his criticism on the squad itself, he made it clear that the team's troubles cannot solely be attributed to the decisions of the head coach.
For the former United captain, the lack of fight was even more painful than the defeat itself.
