Wayne Rooney calls Bruno Fernandes’ comments after Brentford loss ‘a bit strange’
Wayne Rooney called Bruno Fernandes’ comments after Manchester United’s first game loss a bit “strange,” while criticizing his old team for their “passive” play against Hull. Sergej Jakirović’s newly-promoted Hull side had a fantastic start to their Premier League return, scoring two first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy to beat the big favorites, United, 2-0.
It was a tough afternoon for Michael Carrick’s team, who struggled to create chances and seemed caught off guard by Hull’s aggressive pressing from the start. After the match, Bruno Fernandes said United made the “same mistakes” away from home as last season. Last season, the Reds only won seven away games, drew eight, and lost four.
Fernandes explained, “We gave them too much of the ball. In the first 20 minutes, the Hull goalkeeper had the most touches. We need to press harder and be more aggressive.”
On Match of the Day, Rooney shared his thoughts on Fernandes’ words. “It’s a strange thing to say. After finishing third last season and qualifying for the Champions League, United should be a team others fear,” he said.
Rooney thinks Hull’s game plan exposed United’s weaknesses, pointing to a recent pre-season loss to AC Milan where United also struggled with wing-backs. “Maybe Hull watched that Milan game and copied the strategy. If so, good on them because they looked very strong today,” Rooney said.
He added, “Hull sat back in a mid-block and didn’t feel pressure. United only won back the ball twice in Hull’s final third. There needs to be more energy in pressing and winning the ball. Today, United were just too passive.”