đš Wayne Rooney: âBruno is done. Open the bank or risk a mid-table finish.â
âWhen you ask for my opinion regarding the situation at Manchester United, I would probably say it is under control. That was the answer I would have given five years ago. Now my answer is simple: it has gotten out of control.
United have become overly reliant on old logs. Not dead ones, but old logs. People look at the squad and go, we had Bruno, Sesko, Lemmens and maybe even the new kid Andre Santos, and it amazes me because most of the players in this squad are not even up to the standards we used to have in the past era. Most of the guys in that group today would not stand a chance in Fergieâs era. Yes, I said it. They would not even be signed.
Bruno Fernandes has my respect for what he has achieved with this club, but he is done in my opinion. Last season he was the best player in the league despite not starting it well and the change in management, but he still ended the season on a high note. That is applaudable.
But if you think he can replicate that same level again now or next season, I will say I do not see it happening. I appreciate his enthusiasm and how he carries the image of this club, his attitude and hunger to win the league and Champions League here, but I do not see that happening with the current squad and club arrangement.
Just the other day Rio called me and was going mental. He was like, âWayne, what sort of football is this and how is the club failing so badly?â I said to him, âRelax, mate. I donât know either, but it is obvious that the standard has dropped beyond what you can make excuses for.â
He said, âWayne, I see talent in every side of this team but no real depth or direction. You canât even make out a winning team from this lot,â and he just went mental again. It is so stressing and mind-boggling to see how far we have fallen.
Before now, players like Erling Haaland, Caicedo, Declan Rice and even David Raya would be dreaming to be signed for us. Not now. They pray their agent does not even get a call from us.
Is that enough to discourage the young academy boys from wanting to go pro here? I believe it is. The earlier we get this situation sorted out or something drastic happens in the top hierarchy of the club, I do not see a way forward from here.
By now I expect that United would have started lining up the perfect replacement for Bruno Fernandes. You recall what Elliot Anderson said after signing for Manchester City? He would choose them over United. That is what is up. You cannot rewrite history by constantly repeating yourself about old days. You create newer memories. Win the league or something. We are not even in the conversation for the Champions League. Rio said, âImagine us playing in the Champions League with Ferguson and not considered as one among the favourites.â
That thought alone would be mental. I would not accept it. Rio would not. Even Patrice would start a fight at such a comment.
Bruno cannot carry us alone. He has done his bit. Let the club open the purse and spend like a team that is ready for business, or else we will become a mid-table club.
Rio said, âThat is if we are not one already, because seven points in seven games is insane. I canât recall any record of such in Fergieâs era.ââ