Wayne Rooney launched a fierce attack on the failures of Manchester United, accusing them of “unacceptable” laziness.
The United legend claims many players are shirking their responsibilities on the pitch and not being hurt enough by the 5-0 humiliation on Sunday by Liverpool.
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Former club captain Rooney declared: “United players have to ask themselves, look at themselves.
“It’s very easy for a manager to take all the stick when these players get paid so much money to do their job – and I don’t think they’re doing it well enough.
“There are huge demands in this club, high pressure and I see a lot of players not ready to hold back, not ready to defend, not ready to put everything on the line for this club. And that is unacceptable.
“There is a huge responsibility on these players. They are international players on a world-class level – and a club like Manchester United needs more.
“These players must be hurt, and they must feel – when you lose matches – how much it hurts you.”
Undercover head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now faces a series of games that will decide his future at Old Trafford – starting with tomorrow’s trip to Tottenham.
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But Rooney – Manchester United’s record goalscorer with 253 goals – believes the board will have a plan in place if he sacks the manager soon.
He added, “Whatever decision they make, they will feel it is the right decision. What I know is that you can’t just succumb to what people want.”
“There’s going to be a plan ready – whether it’s with or without Ole. I’m sure they’ll come out and talk about it or make decisions at the right time.”
“They are very educated people at the top at United. I am sure they will look into everything to see how they go.
“United is going through a difficult period. Everyone can see the pressure on Ole.
“But I know Ole, he’s a fighter, and he’s going to keep doing the right things, believing and trying to get more out of these guys.”
Derby coach Rooney was as shocked by the Liverpool result as anyone.
He admitted: “It was not easy to watch. Liverpool is a great team, similar to United in world players. The only difference is that they work off the ball.”
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