Rooney accuses United players of avoiding responsibility

Wayne Rooney accused Manchester United’s players of putting personal interests ahead of the team and said Bruno Fernandes was shifting pressure onto manager Michael Carrick, after Fernandes questioned the coaching staff’s tactics following the defeat to Como. Speaking on The United Stand podcast, the former United captain said players needed to take responsibility for their performances. He described the squad as selfish and predicted that more players would publicly voice displeasure. Rooney also warned that public disputes could damage the dressing room, referring to earlier comments from Lisandro Martinez and Fernandes. Rooney’s remarks were his assessment of the players’ conduct and the potential effect on team relationships. The reports do not independently establish his claims that players are avoiding responsibility or that the dressing room is being divided. Fernandes said the decision not to press Como man-to-man rested with Carrick and the coaching staff. He argued that allowing space could give opponents confidence. Carrick responded that United had partly pressed man-to-man in the second half and conceded a goal while using that approach. He also said players must...