Wayne Rooney is absolutely right: Manchester United risk losing their most important player after INEOS’ questionable priorities

Manchester United have had a mixed and worse start than Hull City in the Premier League season: four points from three games. It started with a loss to newly promoted Hull City, before a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town. This was followed by a 2-2 draw against Everton, in which United squandered the lead twice.

Tomorrow, Thursday, Manchester United will host Sabah FA at Old Trafford in the Champions League.

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The results have sent waves of criticism against Michael Carrick. And although it is still early in the season, several of the games have already been labelled as “must wins” – considering the tough start.

Still, there is some understanding among supporters that the manager has been dealt bad cards. INEOS chose to prioritise a total overhaul of their midfield – leaving the rest behind.

The midfield was fixed – the defense was forgotten

There was indisputably a need for reinforcements centrally. Casemiro left the club, and Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury. The recruitment team also delivered: in came Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

But the defense? It has been screaming for reinforcements for a long time – yet nothing was done.

Luke Shaw’s injury problems are well known, but he remains the only senior left-back in the squad. Harry Maguire was extended by one year, despite obvious weaknesses. And against Everton, United fielded the exact same back four that opened the 2020/21 season with a 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

Four years later. Same back four. No reinforcements.

INEOS has been heavily peppered by fans for a lack of commitment in the back row. Now club legend Wayne Rooney warns that they are also playing with fire when it comes to their star players.

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Rooney: “Fernandes has other options”

In 2010, Wayne Rooney himself caused chaos at Old Trafford when he submitted a transfer request. The reason? The club was unable to replace Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo in a way he thought was good enough.

The contract negotiations stalled because United could not guarantee that they would bring in the type of players Rooney requested. The solution came quickly, and he eventually signed a new long-term contract – but the situation was a clear warning.

In the latest episode of Stick to United , Rooney warns that Bruno Fernandes could do exactly the same.

“I think he definitely has other places to go, more options,” Rooney said.

“If I was Bruno Fernandes in this situation, I would – after securing Champions League qualification at the end of last season – have gone to the owners, the board or Michael Carrick and said: ‘We’re back in the Champions League. Now we have to go for it.’

“It’s clear that Bruno Fernandes wants to be at Manchester United. He wants to succeed here. And that’s why I feel for him – because he does so much to make it happen, but feels like he’s being let down.

“I love Bruno. I think he’s brilliant. But he has to think: ‘Please, give me some help. I’m doing everything I can. Help me.’ And I don’t think the club has done that with their signings,” Rooney said.

The contract is ticking – and United are playing with fate

Bruno Fernandes is now in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. Admittedly, the club has an option to extend for another 12 months, and talks are ongoing about a longer deal.

But nothing is guaranteed.

If United don’t show decisiveness soon, they risk losing their undisputed star player and captain – the man who carries the team through thick and thin. Losing Fernandes due to procrastination, poor priorities and a desire to be “smart” in the transfer market?

It would be a disaster of historic proportions at Old Trafford.

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