Wayne Rooney has expressed strong criticism of Manchester United’s recent transfer strategies, labeling several major signings as “horrendous mistakes.” Over the years, the club has spent substantial sums in an effort to reclaim its status at the top of English football.
Rooney’s Critique of Manchester United’s Recruitment
In a recent appearance on The Overlap, Rooney reflected on Manchester United’s recruitment strategy over the last decade. He specifically highlighted three high-profile signings that collectively cost the club approximately £164 million. His focus fell on Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, all of whom, according to Rooney, represent a misguided approach to building the team.
High-Profile Signings and Their Impact
- Romelu Lukaku: Transferred for £75 million, he played 96 matches, scoring 42 goals.
- Paul Pogba: Brought back for £89 million, he featured in 226 games, netting 39 goals, and won the Europa League and League Cup in 2017.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Acquired as a free agent, he contributed 29 goals in 53 appearances, also winning the Europa League and League Cup in 2017.
Rooney stated, “The recruitment before that was horrendous. They were just bringing names in and spending enormous amounts of money.” He believes that while these players are talented, the strategy ultimately lacked foresight.
Looking Forward
Despite his criticisms, Rooney has noted some improvements under new manager Ruben Amorim. The team is currently just one point shy of tasting European competition, which he views as a positive indicator of progress.
Rooney remains optimistic about the future, stating, “They’re gradually getting better, there’s definitely been some improvement.” He emphasized the need for continued development and the importance of making the right choices in January’s transfer window.
As Manchester United fans look ahead, there is hope that smarter recruitment will lead to sustainable success. Rooney’s insights certainly underscore the critical need for strategic planning in player acquisitions moving forward.
