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Oct 30, 2026, 6:15 AM GMT
Matt Smith is a football writer covering the Premier League and exclusive news for GIVEMESPORT. Matt joined the company in March 2023 and is an avid Everton supporter who regularly attends games in his spare time
He has previously worked for CaughtOffside where he covered world football including transfers, match reports, previews, and more. Matt also works for Squakwa, FotMob, WhoScored, and regularly appears on Sky Sports to speak about Everton.
He also creates tactical analysis social media content and regularly appears on podcasts. After spending a few years coaching, playing, and analysing football, Matt moved over to the writing side of the game a few years ago.
Matt also works in commentary and match reporting, providing detailed analysis on some of the biggest games in England and Europe, with his reports regularly published on the Premier League website.
He has amassed over 28,000 followers on X by giving his insight on football, predominantly focusing on the tactical side of the game.
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Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney hasn't held back in his assessment of the current situation at Old Trafford.
Rooney has always been one who was willing to speak his mind, and it's no surprise that he's speaking up now with United in a difficult position.
Manager Michael Carrick is under severe pressure after a disappointing start to the season, and they're preparing to try to turn it around against Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.
They suffered a heavy defeat at home to Bournemouth last time out, just a few days after losing against Como in the Champions League.
The Red Devils certainly have some of the most outspoken former players, with Gary Neville among those speaking in the media lately.
None have been as harsh as Rooney of late, however, claiming that fans are deluded if they think the front three of United are good enough.
"You are deluded if they think the front three are good enough. They wanted Premier League players, they have brought lads from Wolves and Brentford, who have done well, but for signings to take this Manchester United team to the next level, you are living in cuckoo land if you think they are going to achieve that."
“The squad is absolutely a million miles away. The worst thing for Michael Carrick, he has given the board a bit of hope when in reality, they needed a big overhaul and have done for years.
“The midfield, spending that amount on those midfielders, is absolutely crazy. I feel for Michael, he has been let down, he hasn’t been good enough, but the players have let him down massively.”
Rooney has also slammed the absolutely crazy decision to spend as much money as they did on those midfielders, despite having glaring issues elsewhere in the squad.
There's no doubt Rooney is correct in what he's saying, as the squad simply isn't good enough to be competing for trophies at the moment.
Changing the manager might have a positive impact temporarily, but they will still need heavy investment in order to get United back in the right direction.
Rooney has also claimed that he believes some of the United squad simply don't care enough.
The former United striker has suggested that some of the players look numb with no emotion, reiterating how frustrating it is to watch.
“We are seeing players who are numb, look like they have got no emotion, look like they don’t care. Some of them might care, some good lads who are getting dragged down. It is so frustrating to watch.”
Rooney certainly hasn't held back with his assessment of the United squad, but it's hard to disagree with any of the points he's made. Carrick has been dealt a difficult hand, and whoever is in charge for the remainder of the season needs investment in January and the summer.
There are a multitude of different problems at United, and the manager certainly isn't the only one.
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