Wayne Rooney reveals what’s ‘missing’ in Manchester United squad

When asked how distant United are from winning the Premier League, Rooney responded: “Yeah, a long way away at the moment.”

‘It depends on what occurs in the coming year or two. I feel that the new owners, Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth, have put together an excellent team.

‘I believe that changes are taking place at the football club, gradually but steadily. I was there last week and seen the changes at the training site.

‘You’re seeing tiny changes that will eventually benefit the football club, and you hope they do it right. I believe recruiting is key, and they’ve brought in some fantastic men to help with that.’Wayne Rooney feels Manchester United’s lack of a British core in the dressing room is hindering Erik ten Hag.

The United boss is already under intense scrutiny following the team’s poor start to a Premier League season after seven games.

United have only won two Premier League games this season, and Ten Hag is still under fire for his team’s inconsistent playing style.

And Rooney believes the players in United’s locker room are unable to ‘take control’ when results and performances suffer.

‘I believe for everyone who wants Manchester United to succeed, it’s been difficult,’ Rooney told talkSPORT.

‘Manchester United are 14th in the Premier League; this is not where they want to be. I believe that in recent years, United has changed managers and attempted to rebuild with a new manager, but anyone they have brought in has not been successful.

I believe Erik ten Hag is an accomplished manager. I know he’s working so hard to get it perfect.

‘I believe the football club’s culture is changing; we’ve seen a lot of new players, including several international players. I believe Manchester United’s identity has always included a strong core of British players, which I believe is lacking a little bit, as well as guys who can command the dressing room and assist the manager when things go tough.

“So I think that’s a big change, if you like, from what I’ve seen in the last few years, but we’re hoping Ten Hag can turn it around and get them back challenging.”

Ten Hag has said that he won two trophies during his tenure at United – the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup last season – but Rooney believes the team’s focus should be on their Premier League performance.

‘I believe your season is the Premier League,’ Rooney stated.

‘That is what we have always looked at. Then you had the FA Cup, the Champions League, and the League Cup.

‘But there is no greater thrill than winning the Premier League. That is the goal for which you have worked all season. Cups are something you can win, which is amazing. It’s a nice feeling for the supporters, but as a fan, you want United to be constantly competitive.

Liverpool spent 30 years without winning the league. I believe United has not done it in some years.

‘So it’s critical that you don’t keep letting things fall and then be satisfied with winning the League Cup or FA Cup.

‘Manchester United is larger than that; it’s a massive football club that, in my opinion, must be competitive every year.’