According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has warned that the club's dressing room risks further division following public criticism from Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes.

Rooney believes Martinez's comments about the club's summer transfer business and his criticism of technical director Jason Wilcox marked the beginning of a growing problem within the squad. He has also predicted that more Manchester United players could publicly express their dissatisfaction in the coming weeks.

The former England international made the remarks after Fernandes criticised Michael Carrick's tactics following United's disappointing Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday evening.

The loss has intensified scrutiny of Carrick, with the team's recent European performances attracting attention for reasons beyond the results. Martinez has since apologised for his earlier comments, but Rooney believes the damage to the team's unity could spread further.

Speaking on The United Stand podcast, Rooney explained that Martinez's intervention immediately raised concerns about the atmosphere inside the dressing room. He said the defender's remarks were the beginning of a situation that could eventually fracture the squad.

Rooney added that Fernandes' subsequent criticism had reinforced his fears, predicting that other players could follow the midfielder's example rather than accept responsibility for the team's performances.

The former United striker questioned the attitude of some members of the current squad, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over the collective good of the team.

He argued that players must take responsibility both individually and collectively, regardless of disagreements with the manager or the club's hierarchy.

Rooney contrasted the current situation with his own experience playing under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He explained that although disagreements sometimes occurred behind the scenes during their time together, he remained committed to giving his best on the pitch.

The former captain also criticised Fernandes' recent performances, describing the midfielder's current spell as potentially the worst he had experienced since joining Manchester United. Rooney suggested that the Portuguese international's criticism of Carrick could be an attempt to divert attention from his own struggles.

He also urged the club's leadership to provide clarity over Carrick's position as uncertainty continues to surround the manager's future.

Rooney's intervention adds to the pressure on United, with disagreements involving senior players raising questions about leadership, accountability and the club's ability to restore stability.

With the team struggling for results and public criticism emerging from within the squad, Manchester United face an increasingly difficult challenge in rebuilding confidence and unity.