Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney heaped the blame on the players as United succumbed to a Premier League defeat at home to Arsenal.
Leandro Trossard’s first-half goal, assisted by Kai Havertz, was enough to fire the title-chasing North London outfit to a crucial victory over the Red Devils.
Before the game, Arsenal had won only once at Old Trafford against Manchester United in their last 16 visits, but Mikel Arteta rolled back the odds to eke out a narrow win enough to take the Premier League title challenge to the final matchday.
Conversely, Manchester United tanked their hopes for European football next season as they settled for a 14th Premier League defeat this season.
Speaking after the game, Wayne Rooney, who was on punditry duties, deflected the blame from United manager Erik ten Hag and heaped it on the players.
According to him, the players have not done enough to show tenacity and commitment to the team, hence the dragging run of poor results that has grounded the team’s European hopes.
”Some of those players can play, 100 per cent,’ said United’s record goal scorer. ‘Because they’re getting a little bit of stick, it’s easy for players to stay out and come back towards the FA Cup final and get themselves right for the European Championships.
”I’ve seen it for myself over the years. The players who have been injured are not filling themselves with any credit at the minute and the manager is taking all the stick for it.
”I think the players have to really look at themselves, because when you’ve got your manager doing an interview and he’s talking about attitude, and players’ attitude not being right to play for Manchester United, that is a massive insult.
”If I see my manager saying that, then there’s no way I just let that ride until the end of the season. And it looks like some players are just trying to get to the end of the season.”
Wayne Rooney’s assertion is a departure from the popular opinion among United fans and legends that Erik ten Hag has not done enough to deserve a second chance at Manchester United.
Three have been calls for the Dutchman to be sacked following Man United’s dwindling fortunes, especially after the 4-0 capitulation by Crystal Palace.
Amidst calls for his sack, Erik ten Hag has insisted he is the right man for the Man United job and will turn things around for the club if given a chance and financial backing to reinforce the squad next season.
The five-time Eredivisie winner, who ended United’s six-year drought and led the team to a top-four finish in his debut season, has blamed the crippling injury crisis for Man United’s woes.
