Manchester United's narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day has done little to assuage the concerns of club legend Wayne Rooney, who believes significant reinforcements are needed in the January transfer window to secure a top-four finish. Despite the win, Rooney expressed worries about the team's overall performance and reliance on young players.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney admitted to being "worried" after witnessing the performance against Newcastle. He acknowledged manager Ruben Amorim's tactical switch to a back four, a change many fans had been clamoring for, but noted the team's discomfort and the pressure they faced, especially in the second half. Newcastle dominated possession with 67%, highlighting United's struggles to control the game. Rooney emphasized that fans expect to see entertaining, attacking football at Old Trafford, something that was largely absent in the recent match.
Rooney stressed the need for Manchester United to actively pursue new signings to bolster the squad. He questioned the sustainability of relying heavily on young players, especially given the current injury situation. Key players like Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt were absent for the Newcastle game, while Mason Mount suffered an injury during the match. Additionally, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, further depleting the squad.
Despite his concerns, Rooney acknowledged the importance of securing the three points against Newcastle, which moved Manchester United up to sixth in the Premier League. Patrick Dorgu's 24th-minute goal proved to be the difference, though Newcastle applied considerable pressure throughout the match. Rooney also expressed satisfaction in seeing academy players getting opportunities to impress.
Manchester United are reportedly targeting a midfielder in January, with Everton's James Garner and Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher among the potential targets. The club has also previously considered Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton's Carlos Baleba. After a summer that saw £200 million spent to strengthen the attack, the focus seems to be shifting towards reinforcing the midfield and defense.
Rooney's comments serve as a stark reminder that while victories are crucial, underlying issues need addressing for Manchester United to achieve their long-term goals. The January transfer window presents an opportunity for the club to strengthen its squad and provide manager Ruben Amorim with the tools necessary to compete for a top-four finish and success in other competitions. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Manchester United can address their weaknesses and convince Rooney, and their fans, that they are on the right track.
