Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has offered a candid assessment of why his former club has been struggling in recent years. According to Rooney, the Red Devils’ biggest problem isn’t simply about tactics or managers—it’s about the lack of true leadership inside the dressing room.
United’s Decline in Recent Seasons
Manchester United have been a shadow of their former selves for several seasons now. The decline became even more evident after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, when Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim was appointed as the new manager. Instead of ushering in a revival, Amorim’s tenure has seen United record more defeats than victories, despite managing to reach the Europa League final last season—only to fall short against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.
The new campaign has already piled on more misery. A shocking defeat against lower-division side Grimsby Town intensified the pressure on Amorim, sparking widespread speculation about his future at Old Trafford. However, sacking the Portuguese tactician won’t be simple, as it would trigger significant financial consequences for the club. For now, United’s board remains reluctant to make a change, hoping the team can somehow salvage the season and secure qualification for European football next year, particularly the Champions League.
Rooney on What’s Missing at Old Trafford
Amid mounting criticism of Amorim, Rooney chose to highlight a deeper issue—the absence of leadership figures within the squad. Speaking on the Rio Meets podcast with Football Insider, the former United captain reflected on how the culture in the dressing room has changed since he left in 2017.
“When I left in 2017, it was just me and Michael Carrick still around from our group. We looked at the players coming through and wondered—who’s going to lead this dressing room? Ashley Young was there, but beyond that, there was no real group of leaders,” Rooney explained.
“Jesse Lingard was there, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford—fantastic footballers, no doubt. But the question was, who’s going to step up, take responsibility, and keep the spirit alive in the dressing room? Honestly, I think since me and Michael left, that leadership has been missing.”
The Leadership Void and Its Impact
Rooney’s remarks shine a spotlight on what many fans and pundits have long suspected: United lack the kind of personalities who can inspire teammates, demand accountability, and set standards both on and off the pitch. Without that backbone, even talented squads can lose direction.
Since the departures of senior figures like Rooney and Carrick, the Red Devils have struggled to rebuild the culture of responsibility and resilience that defined the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Instead, inconsistency, fragile morale, and a lack of identity have plagued the team.
Rebuilding Manchester United’s Identity
For Manchester United, the path back to greatness isn’t just about hiring the right manager or making marquee signings. It’s about rediscovering their identity as a team built on leaders who embody the values of the club. Until United can find or develop players who are willing to embrace that responsibility, their climb back to the summit of European football may continue to be a long and painful journey.
Rooney’s message is clear: tactics and transfers matter, but without leaders to drive standards in the dressing room, Manchester United will keep falling short of their own history and expectations.
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