Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young criticised Manchester United after teenager Ayden Heaven faced the press before the crucial match against Roma. Both former United players questioned why a young player was put forward to speak while senior players stayed silent.
Rooney Questions Leadership
Speaking before the match, Rooney said: "I thought he spoke very well. I think they had Kobbie Mainoo doing the press conference yesterday as well, so I think that shows when players have come out with questions and questioned the board and the manager, they've done it for a reason."
"They've done it for their own reason. Bruno Fernandes or Martinez could quite clearly be there right now, talking and saying we need to dig in and fight. What's happening, we have spoke about it but we're here and lead by example and they're not leading by example."
Young's Reaction to Heaven's Interview
Young added: "I can't believe it's Ayden Heaven who has come out and spoke. Surely there's senior players who will be like: 'Look, things aren't going well. I need to front up and show my personality and say, right things aren't going well, let me go and do the interview.'"
"When you've got a kid that's coming out that's starting the Champions League tonight when things are tough, and he's the one that's being put up to speak. It just shows what exactly is going on at this football club right now. Like we say, things aren't going in the right direction."
Context of United's Struggles
The criticism comes as Manchester United and manager Michael Carrick face a difficult period. Heaven, who was starting the Champions League match, was the one selected to speak to the media despite the club's struggles.
