Rooney questions Man Utd players’ commitment and backs Carrick

Wayne Rooney has criticised Manchester United’s players for failing to meet the club’s standards after their 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, saying they must show greater commitment and take responsibility for their performances.

The former United captain also defended head coach Michael Carrick, arguing that the former midfielder understands what is required to succeed at Old Trafford, despite growing uncertainty over his future.

Rooney’s latest comments follow United’s 4-1 defeat by Como in the Champions League, after which he accused some members of the squad of being selfish.

Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, the former England striker questioned whether the current players fully understood the expectations associated with representing one of football’s biggest clubs.

“These players think they’re better than they are,” he said.

Rooney’s criticism comes after another disappointing result for United, who conceded three goals without scoring against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 October.

The former striker expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of effort from some United players, suggesting their performances have fallen well below the level supporters should expect.

He said he wanted to confront the squad directly and challenge them to explain their displays.

“I’d like to go into that dressing room, sit them down and ask them: ‘What are you doing? What kind of performances do you think you’re putting in? Do you think you deserve to wear this shirt?’” he said.

Rooney also called for a forceful response from the players, using a crude expression to convey his belief that they needed a wake-up call.

The club’s all-time leading goalscorer was particularly concerned by what he perceived as a lack of emotion among some members of the squad. He suggested that certain players did not appear to appreciate the seriousness of United’s situation.

However, Rooney acknowledged that individual performances could also be affected by the wider difficulties facing the team.

His remarks reflect mounting frustration with a side that has struggled to produce the consistency expected at Manchester United, with supporters left disappointed by the latest defeat on home soil.

While questioning the players’ performances, Rooney offered strong support for Carrick, his former team-mate at Manchester United.

He highlighted the coach’s achievements during his playing career, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy he won in 2008.

Rooney argued that Carrick’s experience of winning major honours means he understands the demands placed on anyone representing the club.

“He knows what the standards are to win at this club,” he said.