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Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick is already under pressure at Manchester United and cannot afford to wait until next summer to address the weaknesses in his squad.
The former United captain criticised the club’s summer recruitment and warned that managers are often the first to pay the price when results fail to match expectations.
United have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, losing 2-0 to Hull before recovering with a dramatic victory over Ipswich.
They were then held to a 2-2 draw by Everton, leaving Carrick with just one win from their opening three league matches.
Rooney questions United’s summer business
Speaking on Stick to United, Rooney argued that Carrick must push for further reinforcements rather than simply accept the squad he currently has.
“If you’re manager of Manchester United you know the pressure which comes with the job and the time now you’re not getting much time in the job,” Rooney said.
He believes the club should have addressed other areas of the squad during the transfer window, particularly in defence, instead of focusing heavily on midfield additions.
“I don’t think any manager’s happy,” Rooney said when discussing Carrick’s public comments about being satisfied with his new players.
“He can’t sit there and go ‘Well, you know what? I’ll wait till next year,’ then I’ll have my defence sorted.”
Rooney also pointed to the growing expectations of modern club ownership, arguing that managers are increasingly expected to deliver results quickly.
Bruno Fernandes needs more support
The United legend also expressed concern that Bruno Fernandes is being asked to carry too much responsibility for a team still searching for consistency.
“I love Bruno. I think he’s brilliant,” Rooney said.
“He must be thinking ‘Right, please bring me some help. I’m doing everything I can. Help me.’”
Rooney believes United’s recruitment has not yet provided enough quality to convince him that the current squad can compete for the Premier League title.
“There is nothing in there which is saying to me now these players are going to take Man United to the next level,” he added.
While Rooney acknowledged that United supporters still expect Premier League and Champions League success, he stressed that the club must accept it is not currently operating at that level.
He pointed to Arsenal’s gradual progress under Mikel Arteta as an example of how rebuilding can take several years, but warned that Carrick may not have the same luxury of time.
Carrick faces crucial week
Carrick now has an immediate opportunity to ease some of the pressure when United face Azerbaijan side Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday.
The European fixture will be followed by a major test against Manchester City in the first leg of the Manchester derby on Sunday.