Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has issued a stark warning to his former club, stating their current lack of squad depth is 'not sustainable' if they wish to challenge for the top four, despite a narrow victory over Newcastle United.
Rooney's Concern After Narrow Victory
The comments came after United's 1-0 win at home to Newcastle on Boxing Day, a result that moved Ruben Amorim's side into sixth place in the Premier League. Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Rooney expressed serious concerns about the performance and the resources available to the manager.
'I was worried when I saw the performance, if I'm honest,' Rooney admitted. He noted that while the team switched to a back four and kept a clean sheet, they 'didn't look comfortable' and were under sustained pressure, particularly in the second half.
A Depleted Squad and Academy Reliance
Amorim was forced to field a weakened side at Old Trafford, missing a host of key players. Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire were all absent through injury or suspension.
The bench highlighted the crisis, featuring five academy players. Two of them, Jack Fletcher—son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher—and Tyler Fredricson, were called into action during the second half as the team weathered a Newcastle onslaught.
Rooney acknowledged the value of giving youth a chance but stressed the timing was wrong. 'It needs to be at the right time as well, and it's not, it's not sustainable at all. They need players in,' he stated.
The January Transfer Window Imperative
Rooney's analysis aligns with reported transfer plans at Old Trafford. The club is actively seeking a new central midfielder, with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton all understood to be on their shortlist.
The former England captain emphasised that the club must back Amorim in the upcoming January transfer window to provide more options and increase their competitiveness. He pointed to the 33% possession statistic at Old Trafford as evidence of a wider problem, stating fans want to see the team entertain and control games.
'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,' Rooney concluded, framing the 1-0 win as a poor performance where United simply 'found a way to win.'
