With Manchester United and Michael Carrick struggling, ex-United stars Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young had plenty to say on their former side's struggles

Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young were left aghast when Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven was put forward to speak before the clash against Roma.

Heaven was selected by Michael Carrick to start the vital Champions League match alongside Harry Maguire. But, to Rooney and Young's surprise, the 20-year-old was also nominated to speak to Amazon Prime in a pre-match interview ahead of the match.

Given how poor United's form has been over the last few weeks, the fact one of the club's most inexperienced players was put forward to speak with the broadcaster raised eyebrows between the ex-United stars.

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Rooney, when asked by Amazon presenter Gabby Logan if it was appropriate for Heaven to be put up to speak in the current circumstances, Rooney said: "I thought he spoke very well.

"I think they had Kobbie Mainoo doing the press conference yesterday as well, so I think that shows when players have come out with questions and questioned the board and the manager, they've done it for a reason. They've done it for their own reason.

"Bruno Fernandes or Martinez could quite clearly be there right now, talking and saying we need to dig in and fight. What's happening, we have spoke about it but we're here and lead by example and they're not leading by example."

Young also added: "I can't believe it's Ayden Heaven who has come out and spoke. Surely there's senior players who will be like: 'Look, things aren't going well. I need to front up and show my personality and say, right things aren't going well, let me go and do the interview.'

"When you've got a kid that's coming out that's starting the Champions League tonight when things are tough, and he's the one that's being put up to speak. It just shows what exactly is going on at this football club right now. Like we say, things aren't going in the right direction."

A rocky

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