Wayne Rooney on United's struggles: "Players have to question themselves. It's too easy for the manager to take all the clubs."
United have lost 5 of their last 10 games in all competitions
Wayne Rooney insists United's players must "question themselves" and take responsibility for their poor performances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came under intense pressure after a 5-0 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that put his side seventh in the Premier League.
High hopes were high before the start of the season, spending a lot of money to bring Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Varane and Jaden Sancho to the club, but after five consecutive defeats in 10 games, questions began to be raised about those purchases and whether Solskjaer had been queuing up the right calls.
However, as the Norwegian prepares for a crucial trip to spurs on Saturday night, his former team-mate and current derby boss Rooney believes United's players must work harder for their manager.
Derby boss Wayne Rooney says United players don't work hard enough
"These players have a big responsibility. They are world-class players, international players and clubs like Manchester United need more," Rooney said.
"Those players need to get hurt, they need to feel how much it hurts you when they lose the game.
'I see too many players who don't want to run back, don't want to defend, don't want to give everything for the club, it's unacceptable.'
"The players have to question themselves. When these players get a lot of money to do the job, it's easy for the manager to accept all the persistence and I don't think they're doing a good enough job. ”
"Solskjaer is a fighter"
It is understood that despite the loss to Liverpool and a small number of players with reservations, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still expected to continue to coach Manchester United.
Most, if not all, of the Manchester United squad like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a man, but some doubt he can succeed as a manager.
Manchester United's record-setting goalscorer Rooney added: "United are going through a tough period – tough weeks.
"Liverpool's game is not easy to watch, but that's football.
"Liverpool are a fantastic team, similar to Manchester United in terms of world-class players, Mo salah may be the best player in the world, but the biggest difference is that they work without the ball. That's the only difference.
"Obviously, Ole is under pressure – everyone can see that. But I know Ole, he's a fighter. He will continue to do the right thing, believe what he believes and try to get more out of these players. ”
"Whatever the club makes, they feel like it's the right decision.
"What I do know is that you can't just succumb to what the media wants or what the fans want. I believe that with or without Ole, United have a proper plan.
"I'm sure they'll come out and talk about it or make a decision in due course."
"They are well-educated people at the top of the club. I'm sure they'll think about everything and see how they move forward in the near future, whether with or without Ole. ”