Key Highlights
- Wayne Rooney criticizes three Manchester United signings that cost £164m as ‘mistakes’
- The signings include Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Rooney believes recent results under Ruben Amorim have improved the team’s confidence
- Ruined signings were part of a larger recruitment strategy that Rooney deems ‘horrendous’
Wayne Rooney Slams Manchester United’s Recruitment Strategy
Former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has spoken out against the club’s recent transfer dealings, labelling them as “horrendous” and pointing to three signings that have cost a staggering £164m. In an interview with The Overlap, Rooney highlighted what he sees as significant mistakes in the team’s recruitment strategy over the past decade.
Misguided Signings Costing Millions
Rooney singled out three players—Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—for criticism. The former United captain noted that these signings were symptomatic of a larger issue within the club’s transfer policy, which he described as “horrendous.” He argued that the team was simply bringing in names without considering the long-term impact on the squad.
Rooney provided some background on each player and their respective costs. Lukaku cost £75m, Pogba £89m for his return to Old Trafford, and Ibrahimovic, despite a free transfer, was still considered a significant part of the club’s strategy. Rooney suggested that these signings were indicative of an approach focused more on prestige than actual performance or fit within the team.
Improvement Under Ruben Amorim
Despite his criticism, Rooney is optimistic about the direction Manchester United is heading under manager Ruben Amorim. The club has been performing well lately, with a one-point gap to fourth-placed Sunderland after 11 games. Rooney believes this recent success is helping to build confidence within the team.
“Things are looking up under Ruben Amorim,” Rooney stated. “United have had some good results recently and there’s definitely been some improvement.” He added, “Now you can see a bit of confidence coming back.”
Perspective on Future Moves
Rooney acknowledged that the club is still facing challenges but remains positive about their prospects. He highlighted the importance of January transfer window activity in potentially pushing them into the top four or five for European qualification.
“January will be interesting to see if they can get players to come help give that little push,” Rooney said, indicating a cautious optimism towards the future while still recognizing the need for further improvements.
Rooney’s comments reflect a broader discussion in football about how clubs balance short-term prestige with long-term sustainability. As Manchester United continues to navigate its recruitment strategy, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if recent changes can lead to sustained success on the pitch.
