According to a report by Metro on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has criticised the club’s attacking options, insisting that Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko lack the quality needed to take the team to the next level.

Rooney questioned United’s recruitment strategy following their disappointing start to the Premier League season, which has left them struggling to find consistency.

United sit 16th in the league table after eight matches and have gone eight consecutive games without a victory in all competitions.

Their poor form continued last weekend when Michael Carrick’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Rooney believes the club’s failure to strengthen key areas during the summer transfer window has contributed to their current difficulties.

He particularly pointed to the lack of depth at left-back and the need for additional options in central defence.

The former England captain questioned why United failed to sign adequate cover for Luke Shaw, while suggesting that Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez could struggle to cope with the demands of Champions League football.

He argued that the club should have recruited more defenders to improve squad balance and increase competition for places.

Rooney was equally critical of United’s attacking recruitment, despite the arrivals of Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko last summer.

Although the trio have shown promising signs at different stages, Rooney does not believe they have the quality required to help United compete for major trophies.

“They’re deluded if they think the front three that they’ve brought in are good enough; they’re not,” Rooney said on Stick To United.

He also questioned the club’s ambitions, arguing that expecting the current squad to compete at the highest level was unrealistic.

“But to take this current group of Manchester United players, for them to sign and to take this team into the next level, into the Champions League, you know, you’re living in Cuckooland if you think they’re going to achieve that.”

“So the squad is absolutely a million miles away from being champions,” he added.

Despite the growing pressure following United’s poor run, Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the managerial position should United decide to dismiss Carrick, while Antonio Conte and Unai Emery have also emerged as possible candidates.