**BREAKING NEWS: Wayne Rooney Criticizes Manchester United Board and INEOS for Supporting Erik ten Hag**
From Old Trafford, Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has sharply criticized the club’s management, targeting both the board and INEOS, the new minority stakeholders, for their ongoing support of struggling manager Erik ten Hag. In a passionate statement, Rooney voiced his frustration over the club’s current situation, condemning the decision to keep Ten Hag amid Manchester United’s disappointing performance and players’ noticeable decline under his leadership.
Speaking to the media, Rooney did not hold back. “This is beyond frustrating!” the former United captain and all-time leading goal scorer declared. “INEOS comes into Manchester United, and instead of fixing things, they’re letting Ten Hag stay? Are you kidding me? Almost the entire squad has regressed under him! Six or seven players are completely out of form—how is that even possible? It’s unprecedented! Week after week, we’re witnessing player decline. Something is obviously wrong with his management and style of play, and nobody’s addressing it.”
Rooney, who recently became manager of Birmingham City after a successful tenure with D.C. United in Major League Soccer, is known for his passionate and candid opinions. His remarks reflect a growing wave of dissatisfaction among United supporters and former players who are increasingly vocal about the club’s direction under Ten Hag.
The Dutch manager joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 with high expectations following a successful period at Ajax, where he developed a young, exciting team. His first season saw some promise, with United finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup. However, the current 2023-24 season has been disastrous, marked by a series of disappointing results, lackluster performances, and discontent among players, leaving the club in chaos. Rooney’s frustration, echoed by many fans, focuses on the sharp decline of key players who were once vital to the team’s success. “We’ve got players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bruno Fernandes—these are top-quality players, and they’re nowhere near their best. How does that happen to so many players at once? It’s clearly a management issue. There’s no confidence, no cohesion, no style of play. It’s a mess,” Rooney asserted.
Rooney’s comments come as INEOS finalizes a deal for a 25% stake in Manchester United, granting them substantial influence over the club’s future decisions. Led by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS had pledged to revitalize the club and restore its former glory. However, their support for Ten Hag has incited backlash from fans who were expecting immediate changes, especially as United struggles to stay within the Premier League’s top four.
Rooney’s remarks have intensified the growing friction between fans and the board. Many supporters believe that the club’s leadership, including CEO Richard Arnold, has failed to tackle the deeper issues within the squad. There are reports of a breakdown in communication and trust between players and the manager, with several stars reportedly dissatisfied with Ten Hag’s tactical approach and management style.
As Rooney’s comments gain traction, pundits and analysts are already discussing the potential implications. Some think his statements might pressure INEOS to reassess their support for Ten Hag, while others suggest Rooney may be positioning himself as a future managerial candidate at Old Trafford.
“United need to wake up before it’s too late,” Rooney concluded in his impassioned statement. “This club can’t afford another season like this. The fans deserve better, the players deserve better, and the club deserves better. Change is necessary.”
With the impact of Rooney’s words resonating through Old Trafford, it remains uncertain whether the United hierarchy will respond or continue to back Ten Hag despite clear signs that the club is heading in the wrong direction.
