{
  "id": 16166429,
  "title": "Rooney calls United squad ‘selfish babies’ after Fernandes criticism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/rooney-calls-united-squad-selfish-babies-after-fernandes-criticism",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T08:30:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/world-soccer/rooney-calls-united-squad-selfish-babies-after-fernandes-criticism/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United star, has branded the current squad as \"babies\" and \"selfish\" following the team's poor performance in the Champions League and Bruno Fernandes' subsequent criticism of manager Michael Carrick. United, who are currently 13th in the Premier League, face the prospect of dropping into the relegation zone if their results do not improve this weekend. The club is experiencing turmoil, with infighting and one of the worst starts to a domestic league season in decades. Carrick's job is now in jeopardy after a 4-1 defeat at Como on Wednesday. Fernandes, the team captain, also criticized Carrick's tactics, stating that United needed to be more \"brave\". Golfer and former striker Rooney expressed shock and disbelief at the performance at Como. He pointed the finger at the players, accusing them of lacking responsibility and blaming others instead of taking ownership of their actions. Rooney added that if the players are not satisfied, they should speak up directly rather than deflecting blame onto others.",
  "summary": "Rooney said he was in \"shock\" and \"disbelief\" at the Como display.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "EPL: Rooney accuses Man United stars of avoiding responsibility",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/epl-rooney-accuses-man-united-stars-of-avoiding-responsibility",
        "published": "2026-10-22T18:36:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Rooney labels Man United players 'selfish' after Fernandes criticism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/rooney-labels-man-united-players-selfish-after-fernandes-criticism",
        "published": "2026-10-22T19:01:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Rooney brands Manchester United players ‘selfish’ and ‘babies’ after Como humiliation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/rooney-brands-manchester-united-players-selfish-and-babies-after-como",
        "published": "2026-10-23T04:16:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}