Wayne Rooney blasts Man Utd players after Bournemouth humiliation

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has criticised the club's players following Sunday's 3–0 defeat to Bournemouth, questioning their effort and commitment as pressure continues to mount on Michael Carrick.

The former United captain believes the squad must take greater responsibility for the club's poor results rather than allowing the manager to shoulder all the blame.

United sit 16th in the Premier League with seven points from eight matches and have now gone eight games without a victory.

Speaking on Stick to United With Wayne Rooney, the Disney+ programme he hosts alongside Mark Goldbridge, Rooney expressed frustration with the team's performances.

"The players haven't got a leg to stand on," Rooney said.

The club's all-time leading goalscorer questioned whether the squad were showing the intensity and determination expected of Manchester United players.

Rooney also highlighted Lisandro Martínez's difficulties against Bournemouth winger Rayan.

The Argentine defender entered the match as a 65th-minute substitute, with United already trailing 2–0 following first-half goals from Rayan and Marcus Tavernier.

Evanilson added Bournemouth's third goal in the 71st minute to complete another damaging defeat for Carrick's side.

Rooney argued that United's problems extend beyond the manager, raising concerns about the squad's quality and the club's recruitment decisions.

"The players have let him down massively," Rooney added.

His comments come as Carrick faces growing scrutiny following a difficult start to the campaign.

The former United midfielder guided the club to third place last season after taking charge in January, but his side have won just twice in 12 matches across all competitions this term.

Sunday's defeat also followed a 4–1 Champions League loss to Como, during which United's defensive problems were again exposed.

Carrick made four changes against Bournemouth, including leaving captain Bruno Fernandes out of the starting line-up.

However, the reshuffle failed to produce an improvement, and United suffered their eighth consecutive match without a win.

Despite speculation over his position, Carrick remains in charge following discussions among United officials on Monday.

The club have reportedly considered potential replacements, although no managerial change has been announced.

Rooney's criticism adds another dimension to the debate, placing responsibility on the players to respond regardless of who manages the team.

Manchester United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 31 October, at 12.30pm GMT.

Carrick will be looking for an improved performance, while Rooney's comments increase the focus on how United's players respond to their poor run of results.