Wayne Rooney has accused Manchester United’s stars of hiding behind their injuries to avoid criticism, leaving manager Erik ten Hag to take the heat.
Ten Hag’s ιnjury-plagued side suffered another setback at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Leandro Trossard’s goal keeping Arsenal’s title chances alive.
However, Rooney claimed that some of United’s now out-of-action players are simply avoiding the firing line.
“Some of those players can play 100 percent,” remarked United’s all-time leading scorer. ‘Because they’re receiving a little bit of flak, it’s simple for players to stay out and return to the FA Cup final, putting themselves in position for the European Championship.
‘I have witnessed it for myself throughout the years. The injured players aren’t getting much credit right now, and the manager is absorbing the brunt of the criticism.
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Wayne Rooney accused Manchester United’s players of not wanting to play for the club and feigning injuries
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United’s torrid season continued on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford
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Erik ten Hag’s team has been plagued by injuries, with the Dutchman naming 14 different centre-back partnerships this season. “I think the players have to really look at themselves, because when you have your manager doing an interview and he’s talking about attitude, and players’ attitude not being right to play for Manchester United, that is a massive insult.”If my manager says that, there’s no way I’m going to let it go till the conclusion of the season. And it appears that some players are just attempting to get to the end of the season.
Roy Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, agreed with Rooney, saying: ‘Obviously, that’s not a good sign. There are always a few players at each club who, I believe, can drag their heels due to injuries.
‘There’s a lot of players out there at particular periods of the season who have an ιnjury or a lack of confidence and are out of it; they’re not in a hurry to come back into the team.’
Ten Hag believes that the supporters’ support demonstrates that they understand United’s challenges. ‘They understand where we are and where this club is,’ stated the United manager. ‘I believe that is why they are with us. We are unified, and perhaps we can repay them in the future.
Arsenal’s victory ensured that they would be in the title bаttle on the last day of the season, regardless of Manchester City’s result at Tottenham on Tuesday.
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Marcus Rashford (second right) is one of a number of United players who missed the game against Arsenal
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Captain Bruno Fernandes (left) and midfielder Mason Mount (right) were both absent from the match.
Manager Mikel Arteta stated: “Today, we wаnted to knock on that door, open that box of dreams, and play in front of our fans with the chance to win the Premier League on the final day.”
‘Some of the players have never been in this position; they have no idea what is at rιsk or how it feels emotionally to have to win over and over again starting in December or January. It is an incredible thing they are doing.
Kai Havertz, who set up Trossard’s sole goal in the 20th minute, now thinks Arsenal’s opponents Spurs can steаl points off City, allowing the Gunners to win the title at home against Everton on Sunday.
‘I’m going to be the biggest Tottenham supporter ever!’ stated Havertz. Let’s hope for the best. We have one game, and we need the entire club to behind us; everything is possible.