Live from Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney lashes out on united board and INEOS for backing and keeping Erik ten hag as manager. He said, “This is beyond frustrating! 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 gone backwards under him! Six or seven players completely out of form – how is that even possible? It’s never been heard of before! Week after week, we’re watching players regress. Something is clearly wrong with his management and style of play, and nobody’s doing anything about it.

Wayne Rooney, a Manchester United legend, has delivered scathing criticism aimed at the club’s leadership, particularly targeting the board and INEOS, the new minority shareholders, for their unwavering support of struggling manager Erik ten Hag. Rooney’s frustration with the club’s current direction was evident as he lambasted the decision to retain Ten Hag despite the team’s poor form and the noticeable decline in several key players under his management.

In a fiery statement, Rooney expressed his disbelief at the situation. “It’s beyond frustrating! INEOS comes in, and instead of making the necessary changes, they’re sticking with Ten Hag? Are you serious? Nearly the entire squad is off form! Six or seven players are underperforming—how does that even happen? We’re watching players get worse week after week. There’s clearly an issue with his management, and no one is addressing it.”

Rooney, now managing Birmingham City after a successful stint with D.C. United in MLS, is known for his candid views. His remarks echo the growing frustration among Manchester United fans and former players who have become increasingly critical of the club’s trajectory under Ten Hag’s leadership.

Ten Hag took the reins at Manchester United in the summer of 2022, arriving with high expectations following his success at Ajax, where he developed a youthful and talented squad. Although his first season showed promise, with United securing third place in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup, the 2023-24 campaign has been disastrous. A series of poor performances, disappointing results, and player dissatisfaction have left the club in turmoil. Rooney’s concerns align with those of many fans who have witnessed a significant drop in form from previously key players. “Look at players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bruno Fernandes—these are top-class talents, yet they’re nowhere near their best. How does that happen to so many players all at once? It’s clearly a management issue. There’s no confidence, no unity, no clear style of play. It’s a complete mess,” Rooney argued.

Rooney’s criticism comes as INEOS finalizes its acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United, led by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who has pledged to restore the club to its former glory. However, their continued support for Ten Hag has sparked backlash from fans eager for immediate changes, especially as United struggles to maintain a top-four spot in the Premier League.

The tension between fans and the board has only intensified with Rooney’s remarks. Many supporters feel that the club’s leadership, including CEO Richard Arnold, has failed to address deeper issues within the squad. Reports suggest a breakdown in communication and trust between players and the manager, with some stars unhappy with Ten Hag’s tactics and management style.

As Rooney’s comments gain attention, there is increasing speculation about potential consequences. Some pundits believe his words may pressure INEOS to reconsider their backing of Ten Hag, while others suggest that Rooney could be positioning himself as a possible future manager for the club.

“United need to wake up before it’s too late,” Rooney concluded emphatically. “The club can’t afford another season like this. The fans, the players, and the entire institution deserve better. It’s time for change.”

With Rooney’s words reverberating throughout Old Trafford, it remains to be seen whether the club’s leadership will take action or continue supporting Ten Hag, despite the team’s ongoing struggles.