In 2022, Wayne Rooney outlined an ambitious rebuilding strategy for Manchester United, focusing on four key players to help restore the club’s former success. At that time, United was struggling under interim manager Ralf Rangnick after the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Rooney, speaking as a pundit on *Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football*, argued that the club needed to prioritize young talents who could form a solid foundation for the future.
He identified Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Scott McTominay, and Jesse Lingard as the core players who, with the right support, could propel United forward. Rooney expressed confidence that Rashford and Sancho would thrive in the upcoming season, emphasizing that they just needed to regain their confidence. He also advocated for Lingard’s inclusion in the starting lineup due to his energy and skill and praised McTominay for his contributions.
However, by 2024, Rooney’s vision has largely unraveled. Among the four players he highlighted, only Rashford remains at the club. The dynamics at Old Trafford have shifted significantly, with Sancho, McTominay, and Lingard either departing or going on loan. Despite Rooney’s initial optimism, the turbulent seasons that followed made it challenging for the club to achieve the stability he envisioned.
Rashford, once central to United’s plans, has struggled to regain his form. While he showed promise in previous seasons, the 2023/24 campaign was particularly tough, marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, raising doubts about his ability to return to his peak. The 2024/25 season hasn’t brought improvement, as Rashford continues to seek his best form amidst the team’s struggles.
McTominay’s trajectory took a different turn as he found himself marginalized under manager Erik ten Hag. Once a dependable midfielder, he was overshadowed by new signings and ultimately transferred to Serie A’s Napoli in the summer of 2024, seeking a fresh start. His tenure at United had moments of promise but ultimately ended with him being surplus to requirements.
Sancho’s journey has been even more tumultuous. Arriving from Borussia Dortmund with high expectations, his performance did not match the hype, leading to tensions with ten Hag. Following a public dispute, he was loaned to Chelsea on the last day of the summer transfer window in 2024, highlighting the ongoing disarray within the club.
Lingard, once a vital part of Rooney’s vision, had left United by 2023. After a brief stint with Nottingham Forest, he unexpectedly joined South Korean club FC Seoul. His departure marked a significant decline from the influential role Rooney had envisioned for him at United.
Overall, Manchester United has continued to struggle, beginning the 2024/25 season poorly and sitting in 14th place in the Premier League. Losses to teams like Brighton and Liverpool have intensified the club’s crisis, with an upcoming match against Southampton serving as a potential turning point. A win could instill much-needed confidence, while a defeat would deepen the turmoil.
Ultimately, Rooney’s 2022 plan to rebuild around Rashford, Sancho, McTominay, and Lingard has not materialized as hoped. The complexities of modern football, managerial changes, and the pressures of top-level competition have altered the course. As United seeks solutions, only Rashford remains from Rooney’s ambitious blueprint, illustrating how quickly fortunes can shift in football.
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