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"Get rid of them" - Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United must have summer clear-out

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 May 2024

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says that he would be looking to move the vast majority of the club's squad on as part of a huge clear-out.

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has said that Bruno Fernandes is one of the few senior players that he would keep at Old Trafford moving forward.

The Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League table and face missing out on European football altogether for next season via their league position.

However, a spot in the 2024-25 Europa League would be secured if they overcame Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup at the end of the month.

Man United are expected to be busy this summer, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, and Rooney has insisted that there must be a clear-out ahead of next season.

The club's record goalscorer said that he would keep Fernandes, in addition to the young players, but the former Birmingham City manager would be looking to move the majority of the other players on.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on May 15, 2024 © Reuters

Rooney calls for Man Utd to move players on

"You have to build the team around Bruno [Fernandes]. He's the one player with quality, he has got fight in him. I think the young players and then... all the other players get rid of them," Rooney told Sky Sports News.

"I think you keep the young players, you keep Bruno and I think it has to be a massive clear out. It has to be. It is not going to be in one year. I think it has got to be over the next couple of years.

"(Onana) I think he has got better. He had a shaky start to the season, but I think he has got better.

"(Defenders) For me I think [Diogo] Dalot has done well, [Harry] Maguire has had an in-and-out season. To compete they need better, they need better players to compete in this league.

"Don't get me wrong, these players are good players, and good Premier League players, but to compete with Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, they need better players."

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Manchester City on March 3, 2024 © Reuters

Rooney says Rashford should consider his future

Rooney also said that Marcus Rashford should be considering his future at Old Trafford due to his struggles during the 2023-24 campaign.

The England international has only scored eight times in 41 appearances this season, and there have been claims that Man United would be willing to listen to offers for him this summer.

"(Marcus Rashford) We all know Marcus has the ability and capability to play at the top level," he added. "And we haven't seen that, I just wonder is it time for Marcus himself to go elsewhere, I don't know. I think he has to ask himself that question.

"I want him to stay and break records at this club but he needs to get his head right and get his head down and work hard and get back to the player you know he can be."

Man United beat Newcastle United 3-2 in the Premier League on Wednesday night, and they will be bidding to make it successive victories in the league when they finish their campaign away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.