Rooney brands United squad selfish babies after Como loss
Wayne Rooney blasted Manchester United’s squad as ‘selfish babies’ on 22 October after a 4‑1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday, citing explosive comments from Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes and condemning captain Bruno’s public criticism of Michael Carrick.
Martinez’s board criticism
Lisandro Martinez opened the criticism by targeting the club’s transfer strategy after United’s first limp showing on the road in Europe against Atletico Madrid. He also singled out Jason Wilcox as responsible for the predicament. The midfielder’s outburst set the tone for the unrest that followed.
Fernandes attacks Carrick’s tactics
Bruno Fernandes followed Martinez with a pointed interview after the 4‑1 defeat to Como on Wednesday. He argued that the staff’s decision not to press man‑to‑man gave the opposition confidence, saying, “It’s a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind.” Fernandes added, “That’s on the manager and staff to say, not me.”
Wayne Rooney, speaking on The United Stand podcast, described the moment he heard Martinez’s comments as an “absolute nightmare” that would rip the dressing room apart. He labelled the squad “selfish” and “like babies”, accusing them of deflecting blame onto anyone but themselves. Rooney warned that if players do not look at themselves, “it’s not good enough.”
Michael Carrick addressed Fernandes’s criticism in the post‑match press conference, suggesting the problem lay in the players’ willingness to run. He admitted United were “half‑pressed man‑to‑man in the second half” and that a lack of forward and backward movement cost them a goal. Carrick stressed that without running, “you aren’t going to win.”
Bournemouth dominates United as Tielemans heads to the bench
Team‑mate Youri Tielemans echoed the disappointment, saying the squad lacked effort in every area and were outplayed by Como. He apologised to travelling fans and those watching at home, adding that the team must “show something on the pitch” after weeks of under‑performance. Tielemans called for improvement across tactical, technical and physical aspects.
Man United have three days before facing Bournemouth in Premier League action this weekend. Rooney urged the players to “come out fighting” and warned there is “no more Mr Nice Guy” for the coaching staff. He hinted that continued dissent could jeopardise the manager’s job.
Rooney told Carrick that protecting players is one thing, but they must fight for themselves or risk dragging the staff down. He stressed that the club’s future depends on players taking responsibility rather than blaming others. The former striker’s blunt counsel underscored the urgency of a cultural shift.
Fans chant the end for Carrick as United falter at Bournemouth
The clash between Martinez’s board rant, Fernandes’s tactical rebuke and Rooney’s scathing verdict highlights a squad in disarray. With a crucial league match looming, United must convert the criticism into collective resolve or risk further embarrassment.