Wayne Rooney Slams Manchester United Players After Como Defeat
Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has delivered a fierce assessment of the club’s struggling squad, accusing some players of putting their own interests ahead of their team, manager and supporters. His comments came after United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como 1907, a result that intensified scrutiny of the club’s form and raised fresh questions about its response to adversity.
Speaking on The United Stand podcast, the former England captain said he was frustrated not only by the result but also by public criticism from within the dressing room. Rooney believes comments made by captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Lisandro Martínez risk shifting attention away from the players’ own performances at a moment when the team needs unity.
Rooney Questions Players’ Public Criticism
Fernandes, United’s captain, criticised manager Michael Carrick’s approach after the heavy loss in Italy, arguing that the side needed to play “more boldly.” Martínez had previously questioned the quality and depth of the squad. Both remarks added to debate about United’s tactics and personnel, but Rooney said airing such concerns publicly could make an already difficult situation worse.
“These players are selfish. They don’t care about their team-mates, the coach, the staff or the fans – they only care about themselves,” Rooney said, expressing anger at what he viewed as a lack of accountability.
Rooney was particularly critical of Martínez’s earlier comments, describing them as a damaging moment for the group. He argued that public criticism from one player can encourage others to voice their frustrations, creating divisions rather than helping the team find solutions.
“When Martinez spoke out, I said it was an absolute nightmare because it would tear the team apart,” Rooney said. “That was the start. We’ve now seen it with Bruno, and we’ll see it with other players, because these players don’t want to take responsibility.”
A Difficult Start to the Season
United’s position in the domestic league has added weight to the criticism. The 20-time English champions are sitting 13th after a poor start to the campaign, leaving them under pressure to improve results and restore confidence. The defeat to Como, meanwhile, drew a harsh response from the domestic press and renewed questions about the club’s direction.
A loss by a three-goal margin in European competition can expose more than tactical weaknesses. It can also test a squad’s confidence, communication and ability to respond collectively. For a club with United’s history and expectations, a run of disappointing performances tends to bring intense attention from supporters and former players alike.
Rooney’s comments reflect a broader concern about how the team is handling that pressure. Rather than focusing on who is responsible for individual decisions, he believes players must first examine their own contribution and work together to improve. In his view, public disagreements can distract from the practical task of rebuilding performances on the pitch.
Accountability and the Pressure of Playing for United
Rooney also criticised what he sees as a tendency among players to react badly when circumstances do not go their way. He said some behave like “babies” when they do not receive what they believe they deserve, blaming others instead of accepting responsibility.
That assessment is especially pointed given the expectations attached to Manchester United. Players at the club face constant scrutiny, and criticism from supporters and the media is often unavoidable when results fall short. Rooney’s argument is that senior figures should respond to that pressure with leadership, discipline and honest self-reflection—not public exchanges that risk weakening trust inside the squad.
Fernandes’ position as captain makes his comments particularly significant. Captains are expected to communicate concerns, but the timing and setting of those conversations matter. Tactical disagreements are a normal part of football, and players can have legitimate views about how a team should approach a match. However, when such opinions are aired publicly after a heavy defeat, they can be interpreted as criticism of the manager or an attempt to shift responsibility.
At the same time, the debate raises an important question: how can a team address genuine problems without allowing frustration to become division? United’s challenge is not simply to silence criticism. It is to turn concerns about tactics, squad strength and performance into constructive discussions that lead to clearer roles and better results.
What Happens Next for Manchester United?
For Carrick and his players, the immediate priority will be to respond on the pitch. A convincing performance could help calm the debate, while further setbacks would likely intensify questions about the team’s tactics, mentality and leadership. United will need greater consistency across the squad, particularly from experienced players expected to set standards during difficult periods.
Rooney’s remarks are unlikely to end the discussion around the club, but they underline the importance of unity during a crisis. His criticism is not solely about one defeat or one interview; it is about whether the squad can accept responsibility collectively and avoid turning setbacks into internal disputes.
Any football prediction for United’s next stretch of fixtures remains difficult while their form is so unpredictable. Their league position and European disappointment point to a team in need of a rapid response, but the quality in the squad means improvement is still possible. The key question is whether players and staff can convert criticism into a shared plan rather than allowing blame to dominate the conversation.
For United supporters, the hope will be that the latest controversy becomes a turning point rather than another distraction. Rooney’s message is clear: results matter, but so does the way a team reacts when things go wrong. If the players can show accountability, support one another and deliver stronger performances, they may begin to rebuild trust. If not, the pressure on the squad—and on Carrick—will only grow.
