WAYNE ROONEY claims some Manchester United players are ducking out of playing for Erik ten Hag.
The club’s 253-goal record scorer believes they are saving themselves for the FA Cup final and Euros.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are the latest on a long sick list.
Asked if United were trying for their boss, Rooney said: “If they are, I don’t think they’re showing it very well. Some of those players can play, 100 per cent.
“You’ve got a European Championships and an FA Cup final coming. Because they’re getting stick, it’s easy for players to come back and get themselves ready for the final and Euros. I’ve seen it myself.
“When your manager is talking about players’ attitude not being right to play, that’s a massive insult.”
Fernandes and Rashford were missing in action against Arsenal.
However, despite not making the squad for Sunday’s clash the pair were in training this week.
Lisandro Martinez also returned, however he has been dogged by injury this campaign.
The Argentina World Cup winner suffered a calf complaint against Brentford on March 30, in a comeback following a two month lay off from a knee injury, and has been absent ever since.
Roy Keane, who sat alongside Rooney, echoed his former teammate’s concerns in the Sky Sports studio.
He said: “Obviously, that’s not a good sign. You’d hope players who are carrying injuries are desperate to get back playing again.
“There is always a worry, there is always players at every club that can drag their heels with an injury.
“Generally, players I played with when they were given a period they’d be injured for, they were always trying to knock a week off it and get back playing for Manchester United or whatever club they’re at.
ERIK Ten Hag has bemoaned his luck with injuries, and is currently without several of his Man Utd stars. Here's who is missing in action.
Tyrell Malacia – Knee injury – Potential return 3/06/2024
Luke Shaw -Thigh injury – Potential return 25/05/2024
Harry Maguire – Muscle injury – Potential return 25/05/2024
Lisandro Martinez – Calf injury – Currently being assessed
Marcus Rashford – Ankle injury – Currently being assessed
Raphael Varane – Muscle injury – 19/05/2024
Victor Lindelof – Thigh injury – 19/05/2024
Anthony Martial – Groin injury – 19/05/2024
Bruno Fernandes – Wrist injury – Currently being assessed
Mason Mount – Unknown injury – No return date
“It’s always a worry but I have to say, it goes on at lots of football clubs.
“There is lots of players out there when they have an injury, they’re not in the hurry to get back in the team. I think that’s obvious and happens at lots of football clubs.”
With games fast running out before the FA Cup final against Manchester City, including Newcastle and Brighton, those who are MIA don’t have much time to prove their fitness.
