Rooney Calls United’s Transfer Strategy ‘Frustrating’

On the latest episode of the “Stick To United” podcast, former Red Devil Wayne Rooney let slip a sigh of disappointment that sounded almost like a sigh of disbelief. When the transfer window finally slammed shut, he wasn’t exactly thrilled about what he saw on the boardroom side of Old Trafford.

“When the window closed, I was surprised we didn’t bring in more players – it’s frustrating,” Rooney told host Michael Carrick. “I kept hearing that we had fixed the attack last season, but I honestly don’t think we did.”

He went on to point out that United’s summer signings – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and the Slovenian youngster Benjamin Sesko – were fine players, but they weren’t the answer to a problem that has lingered since the club’s title‑chasing days. “Cunha and Mbeumo are decent, they can do better with a proper striker beside them,” Rooney said, pausing as if picturing the missing No 9.

According to Rooney, Cunha often ends up playing alone, trying to create something out of thin air, while Mbeumo usually drifts inside on his left foot, which isn’t where he’s most effective. “Honestly, my best memory of Mbeumo at United is when he was used as a No 9, not when he’s stuck on the wing,” the former captain added.

He didn’t stop there. Rooney also lamented the absence of Amad Diallo, insisting that the young attacker could have changed the complexion of United’s recent 1‑0 derby loss to Manchester City. “We miss Amad massively. He’s a natural ball‑carrier, the kind of player you want when you’re trying to break a stubborn defence,” he argued.

United have stumbled through the opening weeks of the Premier League – two defeats and a draw in four games, the only victory being a 5‑2 romp over Ipswich Town. For Rooney, the lack of a genuine target man is a thread that ties these early frustrations together.

“We got players, but we didn’t fix the attacking line. If we had a quality No 9, the whole dynamic would shift,” he concluded, leaving the audience with a clear message: the club’s midfield overhaul isn’t enough if the front line stays half‑baked.