Some Manchester United players have been accused by Wayne Rooney of avoiding playing for manager Erik ten Hag. Rooney, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, believes that these players are saving themselves for the upcoming FA Cup final and the European Championships. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are among the players currently sidelined due to injury. When asked about the commitment of the players, Rooney expressed his disappointment, stating that some of them are capable of playing but are choosing not to. He also highlighted that with criticism being directed towards them, it’s convenient for players to focus on recovering for the final and the Euros. Rooney emphasized how insulting it is for a manager to question the attitude of players who are not playing.
During the recent match against Arsenal, both Fernandes and Rashford were absent from the squad. However, they have been training this week, along with Lisandro Martinez, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season. Martinez suffered a calf injury in March and has been out of action since then.
Roy Keane, Rooney’s former teammate and fellow pundit on Sky Sports, echoed his concerns about players not showing urgency in recovering from injuries. Keane expressed his hope that injured players would be eager to return to action as soon as possible. He admitted that there are always players at every club who may drag their heels when it comes to injuries. However, Keane emphasized that during his playing career, players would try to expedite their recovery to get back on the pitch for Manchester United or their respective clubs.
Injuries have been a significant issue for Manchester United this season, with several key players currently unavailable. Erik ten Hag has been unfortunate with the number of injuries in his squad. The list includes Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount. The absence of these players poses a challenge for the team, especially with important fixtures approaching, such as the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
While injuries and players managing their recoveries are common occurrences in football clubs, the situation at Manchester United has raised concerns. Both Rooney and Keane have highlighted the need for injured players to display a strong desire to return to action and help their team. With limited time before crucial matches, those who are currently sidelined must prove their fitness quickly. The upcoming games against Newcastle and Brighton will be crucial for determining the availability of these players for the FA Cup final.