Rooney Criticizes Manchester United’s Strangest Signings

Manchester United’s transfer policy came under fire from club legend Wayne Rooney this week, as he named Paul Pogba among the three most puzzling signings in the club’s recent history. Before INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, Rooney believes United’s recruitment lacked vision and direction, contributing to a decade of decline.

Manchester United’s Strange Transfers: Pogba in the Spotlight

Manchester United’s transfer strategy during Ed Woodward’s tenure, especially before INEOS’ partial takeover in 2023, has faced widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. Rooney voiced his concerns on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to fans by Sky Bet, stating, “The recruitment at Manchester United before last summer was horrendous. They were just bringing big names in—Lukaku, Zlatan, Pogba. Good players, but it was just about names and spending enormous amounts of money.”

Paul Pogba’s sensational return from Juventus for a then-world-record £89 million ($117m) was joined by Romelu Lukaku’s £75m ($99m) move from Everton and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s free transfer from PSG. Rooney argues that these signings reflected a lack of foresight and footballing identity—a sentiment echoed by many supporters watching millions invested in players who never truly fit the team’s needs.

Signs of Improvement Under INEOS Ownership

The arrival of INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, marked a turning point in Manchester United’s approach to transfers. The new strategy has prioritized Premier League-proven talent and promising youngsters from abroad. This summer saw the arrival of Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha, and Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, each playing a key role under manager Ruben Amorim.

With these additions, United have risen to seventh in the Premier League table, unbeaten in their last five matches and sitting on 18 points. Rooney notes, “It’s going to take a bit of time to get over those mistakes, but there’s definitely been some improvement. Players are getting to know each other better, and you can see a bit of confidence coming back.”

Amorim Bringing New Energy to Manchester United

Despite a rocky start to the season, Amorim’s Red Devils have bounced back with three consecutive Premier League wins in October, defeating Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton. Rooney, while previously critical of the manager, now sees signs of a team rediscovering their rhythm and believes that Champions League qualification is within reach.

“If you look at Manchester United over the last ten years, the players have been absolutely battered,” Rooney added. “Now they’ve got a couple of results and you can see confidence coming back. There are promising signs—they’re not going to win the league, but they could possibly sneak into the top four.”

Defensive Challenges Remain for Manchester United

However, United’s progress remains fragile. November saw back-to-back 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, highlighting ongoing defensive weaknesses. Speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim acknowledged the disappointment: “We felt like the three points were there to take home. But with injuries to Harry Maguire and Casemiro and conceding two goals… it’s a point. When you cannot win, you don’t lose. We’re at the beginning of becoming a strong team, so we have a lot to do.”

He also called for more bravery and intensity, urging his team to “kill the game” when in control. The response to adversity, especially after conceding to Tottenham, left Amorim both frustrated and proud. “This is the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “We believe in our capacity to score until the last minute, but we need more consistency.”

Looking Ahead: Key Fixtures and Ongoing Evolution

Manchester United return from the international break with a crucial clash against Everton on November 24. The Red Devils continue their transformation under INEOS, searching for the sustained improvement needed to challenge at the highest level. Fans will be hoping that the club’s new recruitment strategy signals a permanent departure from the “big name” policy Rooney criticized.

For more news and updates on Manchester United’s journey, visit for more news.

Opinion: Time for Smart Transfers, Not Just Big Names

Rooney’s criticism of the past decade’s transfer policy is justified—Manchester United suffered from chasing star power over squad cohesion. INEOS’s focus on smart signings and a clear footballing vision is a step in the right direction. While challenges remain, United finally look poised to rebuild with substance rather than just spectacle, and supporters have real reason for optimism.