Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has delivered a devastating assessment of his former club's current squad, urging the Red Devils to cut their losses on Brazilian winger Antony in what would represent a staggering admission of transfer failure.
The former England captain, speaking with the brutal honesty that characterised his playing career, didn't mince his words when analysing United's attacking options during an appearance on the Overlap podcast.
The £73 Million Problem
"I think Antony's probably one they need to move on," Rooney stated unequivocally, highlighting the Brazilian's disastrous return since his £73 million move from Ajax in 2022. The winger has managed just 11 goals in 82 appearances, a statistic that makes grim reading for United supporters.
Rooney's comments come amid growing frustration at Old Trafford about the club's recruitment strategy, with Antony becoming symbolic of the overspending that has plagued the post-Ferguson era.
Sancho's Second Chance?
In a surprising twist, Rooney offered a more sympathetic view of Jadon Sancho, whose public falling-out with manager Erik ten Hag saw him exiled to Borussia Dortmund on loan.
"I'd bring Sancho back," Rooney declared, suggesting the England international deserves another opportunity to prove himself at the Theatre of Dreams. This stance puts him at odds with many pundits who believe the bridge between player and manager has been burned beyond repair.
Rooney's Reality Check for United
The United legend delivered a sobering message about the club's current standing, acknowledging they've fallen significantly behind their traditional rivals.
"They've got some very good young players coming through, but they're certainly a few years away from challenging for the Premier League title," Rooney admitted, delivering the harsh truth that many supporters have been reluctantly accepting.
His analysis suggests that United's rebuild under INEOS ownership will require patience and potentially more painful decisions in the transfer market before they can return to English football's summit.
