Wayne Rooney’s scorching criticism of Manchester United, delivered on his BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show on September 29, 2025, has sent shockwaves across the football world, adding to the turmoil surrounding his previous comments about Liverpool’s £116 million transfer Florian Wirtz.
The former United captain and club hero, who scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for the Red Devils, did not mince words, proclaiming, “This is not Manchester United.” I can’t recognise the entire football team. I don’t see any players fighting. I don’t see character. I don’t see the desire to win. I don’t see ability. I don’t see any match winners. Nothing takes me off my feet.” The comments come as United are in 10th position in the Premier League following a 3-1 home loss to Tottenham on September 28, increasing pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Rooney’s comments, made immediately before Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray on October 1, 2025, have sparked controversy, particularly given the time.
His previous allegation that Liverpool’s Wirtz “damages” the club enraged Reds fans, with the German star allegedly upset and absent from the 21-man squad travelling to Istanbul (along with the injured Federico Chiesa).
Now, Rooney’s harsh appraisal of his previous club has moved attention to Old Trafford’s difficulties, reigniting questions about United’s identity and drawing unavoidable parallels to Liverpool’s struggles under Arne Slot.
United’s 2025/26 season has been poor. Despite significant investment in players such as Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, the squad has only won three of its eight league games, with recent losses highlighting a lack of coherence.
Rooney cited the Tottenham defeat, in which United led following a Bruno Fernandes penalty but crumbled due to defensive errors, as an example of deeper flaws. “Where’s the fight?” he remarked, drawing a contrast between the current squad and Sir Alex Ferguson’s era.
Social media reacted, with #RooneyRant trending on X and 70,000 posts, some supporters agreeing (“He’s spot on, this isn’t United”) and others labelling him “disloyal” for airing bad linen. @MUFCFaithful wrote, “Rooney is a legend, but he piles on when we are down. Ten Hag needs time.
The irony is not lost on Liverpool fans, who are dealing with their own disappointments following a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and Wirtz’s poor start. Rooney’s remarks on United’s lack of “match winners” reflect his criticism of Wirtz, implying a broader dissatisfaction with modern football’s high-profile signings. However, while Liverpool remains top of the Premier League and prepares for Galatasaray, United faces a more difficult route, with a Europa League meeting against PAOK looming.
Under duress, Ten Hag reacted curtly: “Wayne’s entitled to his opinion, but we’re building something here.” As Anfield is buzzing with tensions, Rooney’s words have lighted a fire across both teams, with supporters and commentators alike wondering if either can reclaim their past greatness.
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