Brief

Rooney says United’s lack of aggression is hurting them, urges Carrick to fix

Rooney blames United’s timid midfield for recent struggles and says Carrick must change the approach before upcoming matches.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 03:40:22 GMT

Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United striker, said the club’s recent performances have suffered because the team lacks aggression, according to Standard on Oct. 12.

United sit 12th after a 1‑1 draw with Tottenham, a match in which Spurs played most of the game with ten men after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off. Rooney noted United often sit in a mid‑block and fail to get up to the ball, making them “not a difficult side to play against.” He contrasted this with Jose Mourinho’s early Chelsea, which combined a mid‑block with aggressive pressing.

Rooney added that Michael Carrick’s side must adjust before they travel to Atletico Madrid for the Champions League and then face Leeds United in the Premier League.

Key facts

• Manchester United are 12th in the Premier League after a 1‑1 draw with Tottenham. (standard.co.uk)
• Rooney says United’s midfield is playing a mid‑block without enough aggression. (standard.co.uk)
• United will play Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, then Leeds United in the league. (standard.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Rooney reveals major Man Utd issue that Carrick must fix”