Wayne Rooney has issued a stark warning to Arsenal and Manchester United, stating that they won't progress unless they center their rosters around a true number nine.
Following a 1-1 stalemate on Sunday, both the Gunners and United find themselves in a precarious position. Arsenal sits a significant 15 points adrift of Liverpool in the title race, while United is mired in the lower echelons of the Premier League standings.
With both sides experiencing a drought in front of goal recently, it's anticipated they'll be scouring the market for a new striker come the summer window. But there are not many top options available.
Rooney highlighted the shared issue of lacking prolific goalscorers. He also noted how Liverpool has maintained a steady goal tally despite Darwin Nunez, one striking option, not scoring consistently this season, and the number nine having been rotated.
"I always feel the teams with the best number nines have the best chance of winning things," Rooney commented on Match of the Day 2. "Liverpool are probably an exception to that, with the way they rotate the player they use through the middle, rather than having a regular number nine that the team is built around.
"The number nine is still so important for them, though. Mohamed Salah, cutting in from wide areas, is their main goalscorer but, whether it is Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez in the center, they all chip in with a good amount of goals."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his side's first goal with team-mate Andy Robertson during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on March 08, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez celebrates after bringing Liverpool level in their 3-1 win at home to Southampton (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
The decision by the Gunners to pass up on signing a striker in January has drawn criticism from supporters and commentators alike, especially in light of Gabriel Jesus being sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Mikel Merino found himself once more in the unconventional role of an emergency striker, and Rooney weighed in with his thoughts. "A proper number nine — a forward who has played there his whole life — brings something different to any team," he said.
"I am talking about that natural goalscoring instinct, which a player who is trying to learn the position probably doesn't have. A midfielder playing forward like Merino can get hold of the ball and bring others into play, but what a goalscorer brings is that selfishness of wanting to be in the penalty area to finish chances.
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"As we saw on Sunday, Rice was trying to help Arsenal to fill that position, as the player who was always making forward runs and arriving in the box. He did really well in that advanced role, but he cannot always be there."
Despite everything, Rooney expressed confidence in Rasmus Hojlund, who had a few opportunities as Joshua Zirkzee's second-half replacement. He commented optimistically about the youngster: "I've got faith in him. He's a good player who works hard, which is really important.
"He needs that bit of luck as well, but once he gets a break then more goals will follow. As a striker for Manchester United, when you are not scoring goals there is a lot of pressure and a lot of people questioning if you can do it for United."
Liverpool.com says: While Rooney says Liverpool is the exception, the Reds should be in the market for a new number nine in the summer as well. Lots of clubs will be searching for someone to come in and play that role but if anyone has the choice of joining Arne Slot, that should hold a big appeal. Joining the team that will win the Premier League will be alluring for almost everyone.