Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney want a massive clearout at his former club before the start of the next season. Rooney wants the Red Devils to build their team around captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese has been a standout performer for the Old Trafford-based team in what has been a torrid season.
The Portuguese is under contract with Manchester United until June 2026. Fernandes moved to Old Trafford in January 2020 from Sporting CP but since then has won only the Carabao Cup, which came in the last season.
Fernandes has scored 10 goals and assisted eight in 34 appearances for the United this season in the Premier League. He scored two goals and provided as many assists in the six matches of the Champions League.
“You have to build around Bruno. He’s the one player with quality. He has got fight in him. I think you keep the young players and Bruno. I think it has to be a massive clearout, it has to be. It’s not going to be in one year but it’s got to be over the next couple of years,” Rooney said on Sky Sports on Wednesday.
“To compete in this league, they need better players and don’t get me wrong, these players are good players and Premier League players. But to compete with Manchester City, with Liverpool, with Arsenal they need better players.”
On Marcus Rashford, Rooney said: “We all know Marcus has got the capabilities to play at the top level. I just wonder if, for Marcus himself, is it time to go play elsewhere? I don’t know.
“I think he has to ask himself that question. I want him to stay, to break records at this club. But he needs to get his head right, get his head down and get back to the player we know he can be.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag admitted it has been a difficult season for them. United has won 17 out of the 37 matches and have 57 points under their belt in the Premier League. However, United wil have a chance to finish the season on a high as they will take on derby rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at the Wembley Stadium on 25th May.
“It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team,” Ten Hag said.
“The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.
“And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.
“And be assured, you will be there supporting us. Thank you, you are the best supporters in the world, thank you.”
Manchester United registered a thrilling 3-2 win against Newcastle United on Wednesday night. The Red Devils will play their last Premier League match of the season against Brighton on Sunday.
