Rooney: Man United players fit to play but hiding behind injuries

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says some of the Premier League side’s injured players are fit enough to play for the club.

Rooney, who played for United between 2004 and 2017, said the players have been leaving manager Erik ten Hag to “take all the stick” for poor performances.

United had 10 injured players for their 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Arsenal on Sunday, which leaves them rooted to eighth place, on course for their lowest-ever Premier League finish and running the risk of missing out on European football altogether next season.

Under Ten Hag this season, United have lost 19 games in all competition, their most since 1978-79, while Sunday’s loss to the Gunners was their ninth loss at Old Trafford this term, their joint-most at home in a season.

Asked if United’s players are currently playing for Ten Hag, Rooney told Sky Sports: “If they are, I don’t think they’re showing it very well. The performances, and there are some good players in that squad, are way below par.

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“As we look at the injuries they’ve picked up, some of those players can play, 100 per cent.

“When you have the European Championship coming up and an FA Cup final, it’s easy for players to stay out of it a little bit, get back for the final and make sure they’re ready for the European Championship. I’ve seen it myself over the years.

“The players who are injured are not filling themselves in any credit at the minute. The manager is going to take all the stick for that.”

Ten Hag is currently without first-team regulars Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, while Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial are long-term absentees.

Scott McTominay returned to the starting line-up on Sunday after injury, while Ten Hag revealed earlier in the week that Argentina defender Martinez had been pleading to play after recovering from a calf problem.

United, however, declined to respond to Rooney’s comments when contacted.

The Star