With Manchester United and Michael Carrick struggling, ex-United stars Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young had plenty to say about their former side
Wayne Rooney speaking in an interview
Wayne Rooney has not held back in his verdict over Manchester United(Image: Amazon Prime)
View 3 Images
Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young were left aghast when Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven was put forward to speak before the clash against Roma.
Heaven was selected by Michael Carrick to start the vital Champions League match alongside Harry Maguire. But, to Rooney and Young's surprise, the 20-year-old was also nominated to speak to Amazon Prime in a pre-match interview ahead of the match.
Given how poor United's form has been over the last few weeks, the fact one of the club's most inexperienced players was put forward to speak with the broadcaster raised eyebrows.
Rooney, when asked by Amazon presenter Gabby Logan if it was appropriate for Heaven to be put up to speak in the current circumstances, Rooney said: "I thought he spoke very well.
"I think they had Kobbie Mainoo doing the press conference yesterday as well, so I think that shows when players have come out with questions and questioned the board and the manager.
"They've done it for a reason. They've done it for their own reason. Bruno Fernandes or Martinez could quite clearly be there right now, talking and saying we need to dig in and fight.
Ayden Heaven of Manchester United arrives prior to the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and AS Roma at Old Trafford on November 3, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom
Heaven was put forward to speak to Amazon in a pre-match interview(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
View 3 Images
"What's happening, we have spoke about it but we're here and lead by example and they're not leading by example."
Young was equally stunned none of United's other experienced stars volunteered to take the interview. He added: "I can't believe it's Ayden Heaven who has come out and spoke.
Surely there's senior players who will be like: 'Look, things aren't going well. I need to front up and show my personality and say, right things aren't going well, let me go and do the interview.'
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United speaks during a press conference on day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 at Old Trafford on November 02, 2026 in Manchester, England
Mainoo also took questions from the media in a pre-match press conference on Monday(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
View 3 Images
"When you've got a kid that's coming out that's starting the Champions League tonight when things are tough, and he's the one that's being put up to speak.
"It just shows what exactly is going on at this football club right now. Like we say, things aren't going in the right direction."
Heaven has only made 30 appearances for United since his arrival from Arsenal in February 2025. In comparison, experienced United stars Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and club captain Fernandes are also in the starting eleven and could have been put forward to speak to Amazon.