Wayne Rooney has launched a stinging attack on Manchester United players amid the club’s poor form so far this season.
The Red Devils went into the current campaign full of optimism after winning the FA Cup under Erik ten Hag back in May.
But United have struggled so far this term, with the fallen giants winning just two of their first seven Premier League matches.
They currently sit 14th in the standings, with only Leicester, Everton, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wolves having less than their eight points.
Wayne Rooney has blasted Man Utd players with the Plymouth boss urging them to ‘do better’ amid their issues this season
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United could sack Ten Hag following their struggles in front of goal.
Yet Rooney, speaking to Sky Sports, has insisted players need to ‘do better’ – while also launching a staunch defence of the Dutchman.
“Well that’s obviously down to the owners of the football club to look at that,” he said when asked if the 54-year-old was still the right man for the job.
“I’m sure Erik Ten Hag is a fantastic manager.
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“He’s won trophies wherever he’s been and won trophies at Manchester United as well.
“So yes, he’s going through a difficult period and I think he’d probably say that himself.
“But you hope he can turn it around because too often managers lose their jobs and then it’s another rebuild with a different manager.”
Rooney then proceeded to blast the players, insisting they’ve let their standards slip.
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“I think it’s difficult and anyone would admit that Manchester United want to be challenging for titles, so to be 14th, I’m sure everyone at the club knows they need to improve on that,” added the Plymouth boss.
“I know Erik Ten Hag is doing everything he can to try and improve that.
“Players again, and I said this last season, need to do better than what they’re doing.
“There’s a big turnaround of players over the last few years. You just want to see them challenging again.”
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Wayne Rooney has defended Erik ten Hag and hailed the Man Utd boss despite the fallen giants’ stuttering form so far this season
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Rooney knows what it’s like to play for United.
The retired striker won five Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League and other honours, during his own time at Old Trafford.
He has refused to offer any advice to Ten Hag, however, and insists his old team should use their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday as a foundation as they look to turn things around.
“It’s not for me to give Erik Ten Hag advice,” added Rooney.
Wayne Rooney feels Man Utd players must do better
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“He’s Manchester United manager and a very experienced manager as well.
“When you’re going through a tough period the important thing is you knuckle down, you work hard, you try and do the basics right.
“I think they showed good spirit to pick up a point against Villa, but the fans probably want to see a bit more and hopefully they can start doing that.”