Rooney encourages Man Utd to lose 15 players with Amorim plan already mapped out

Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on his former club Manchester United, claiming that almost the entire squad are not fit to wear the shirt – with only two exceptions.

The Red Devils have been in a state of decline ever since their last Premier League win in 2013, which coincided with Sir Alex Ferguson's departure. This season has been particularly disappointing, with the team languishing in 14th place and heading for their worst-ever Premier League finish.

Under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim, United have managed a meagre five league victories since his arrival in November. And Rooney believes it's evident a complete squad overhaul is necessary.

Speaking on Sky Bet's Stick to Football podcast, Rooney didn't hold back when asked if there was any hope for the current United team. He responded: "No, I don't think so. They look lost. They look scared.

"Bruno [Fernandes] is the one who keeps producing, he annoys you at times but keeps producing. They need massive changes to the squad, I think 10-15 players need to leave the club. Obviously, they can't do that, but there is a mentality there where no one is taking responsibility [in the squad]."

Rooney then named just two players he would retain from the current squad. "I'd keep Bruno and [Kobbie] Mainoo," he said, before adding: "There is a culture at the club where it's too easy to lose games and the players come out and say 'onto the next one,' and all that rubbish.

"Just show some character and fight on the pitch. It's bad watching, it hurts. Being from Liverpool but spending so many years at United, I want the team to do well, I've got my kids in the academy, and it hurts watching them."

While Rooney would like to see a complete overhaul at Old Trafford, Amorim has admitted that he already has plans in place for the 2025/26 campaign.

The upcoming summer transfer window is set to be United's most important in years, as they need to shape the squad to fit the head coach's philosophy. Although the budget they're working with is expected to be somewhat tight – especially after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted this week the club would've run out of money by later this year had they not begun implementing radical changes behind the scenes.

Speaking to the media this week, Amorim said: "We have a clear plan to address next season. Of course, we have Europa League also and you can reach the Champions League – you never know.

"It's far from this moment, but you never know – you can change the preparation for next season. We have a plan, we know what to do. We know that we are in a difficult moment, but the most important thing again is to have a plan, and to know what to do and to know what kind of players you need to bring."

When probed on if his plan involved selling key players, he failed to rule out the possibility of big names moving on. Amorim added: "We'll see, in this moment we're just focused especially in this competition that can change everything. So let's focus on the game tomorrow."

United will aim to seal a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday as they host Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, with the tie delicately poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.