MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 13: Wayne Rooney gives an interview prior to the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Metropolitano on October 13, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 13: Wayne Rooney gives an interview prior to the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Metropolitano on October 13, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney believes that Manchester United’s current options in attack are not good enough to take his former side to ‘the next level’.
The Red Devils’ slow start to the season has them languishing in 16th place in the Premier League after eight matches.
Michael Carrick’s side were convincingly beaten by Bournemouth last weekend and are winless in their last eight matches in all competitions.
Much was made of United’s summer transfer window strategy, which saw the club prioritise midfield signings but fail to address a lack of depth at left-back and in forward areas.
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And Rooney believes the club are paying the price for their lack of investment in both areas of the pitch.
‘You knew that Luke Shaw weren’t going to play all the games,’ Rooney told Stick To United.
‘You knew that Harry Maguire would struggle with Champions League football. Martinez would struggle with Champions League football and play in that, so why on earth do you not go and bring players in?
Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 25, 2026 Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected as he applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Chris Radburn EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Michael Carrick’s side have started the season poorly (Picture: Reuters)
‘Why don’t you help the players? And then, for instance, you could say to Harry Maguire, we’re going to keep you for the Premier League, and we maybe bring someone in to play Champions League football and balance the squad out.
‘And they’ve done none of that.’
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Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were all brought in last summer to freshen United’s forward line.
And while all three have shown promise in spells, Rooney is still not convinced that any of them should be viewed as long-term solutions.
‘They’re deluded if they think the front three that they’ve brought in are good enough; they’re not,’ Rooney added.
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‘They want some players who’ve played in the Premier League. They’re bringing players in from Wolves, from Brentford, who have done well and done well for them clubs.
[EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. . All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. All rights reserved. Premier League and Football League images are subject to licensing agreements with Football DataCo Limited. see https://www.footbal... Mandatory Credit: Photo by Phil Duncan/Every Second Media/Shutterstock (17234740de) Manchester United defender Harry Maguire (5) dejected leaves the field after defeat and losing 0-3, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo (19) Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos (17) Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 25 October 2026. Credit: Phil Duncan/Every Second Media Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth, Premier League, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England - 25 Oct 2026
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. . All images are copyright Every Second Media Limited. No images may be reproduced without prior permission. All rights reserved. Premier League and Football League images are subject to licensing agreements with Football DataCo Limited. see https://www.footbal... Mandatory Credit: Photo by Phil Duncan/Every Second Media/Shutterstock (17234740de) Manchester United defender Harry Maguire (5) dejected leaves the field after defeat and losing 0-3, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo (19) Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos (17) Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 25 October 2026. Credit: Phil Duncan/Every Second Media Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth, Premier League, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England - 25 Oct 2026](https://metro.co.uk/2026/10/26/steven-gerrard-lists-manchester-united-players-not-good-enough-29741130/)
‘But to take this current group of Manchester United players, for them to sign and to take this team into the next level, into the Champions League, you know, you’re living in Cuckooland if you think they’re going to achieve that.
‘So the squad is absolutely a million miles away from being champions.’
Despite United’s poor start, Carrick is expected to remain in his post for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann appear to be the two frontrunners to replace Carrick if he is sacked, while Antonio Conte and Unai Emery have also both been linked as potential candidates.
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