Rooney Slams Fernandes and Man Utd Stars Over Como Defeat
Wayne Rooney has accused Manchester United’s players of avoiding responsibility after captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Lisandro Martínez made pointed remarks following the 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como.
United’s loss in Italy on Wednesday intensified the pressure around Michael Carrick, whose position remains unclear ahead of the meeting with Bournemouth. Fernandes subsequently questioned the plan used for the Como match, while Martínez had earlier directed criticism towards Jason Wilcox.
Rooney believes the public reactions risk worsening the situation inside the dressing room. Speaking on The United Stand podcast, the former United forward said Martínez’s comments had created “an absolute nightmare” and warned that they could divide the squad.
“That was the start,” Rooney said. “We have seen it with Bruno now and there will be more players doing it. Those players do not want to accept responsibility.”
Rooney said disagreements between players and management can exist without undermining commitment to the team. He recalled occasions when his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson was strained, but insisted that never altered his effort on the pitch.
“There were times when Sir Alex Ferguson and I would not speak, but I would still run through a brick wall for him when the game started,” Rooney said. “You have to take responsibility on the field and as a group.”
Rooney calls for accountability
The former England captain argued that the current squad are placing individual concerns above the club, its staff and supporters. He said players were too ready to shift blame when results and performances fall short.
“They are selfish,” Rooney said. “They care about themselves rather than their team-mates, the manager, the staff or the fans. If something is not right for them, they react like babies, throw their toys out of the pram and find somebody else to blame.”
Rooney was especially critical of Fernandes, who he believes is enduring his poorest spell since joining United. He suggested that the midfielder’s criticism of Carrick came as the captain sought to deflect attention from his own form.
“Bruno is probably in the worst period he has had at the club,” Rooney said. “It is not a coincidence that pressure is being put on somebody else because he does not want to confront it.”
He urged Fernandes, Martínez and the rest of the squad to examine their own contribution to United’s difficulties rather than directing criticism elsewhere. Rooney also called on the board to clarify Carrick’s future as United prepare for Bournemouth.
