Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has accused members of Erik ten Hag's squad of hiding injuries and choosing not to play in their squad towards the end of the season.
The former striker's criticism comes after United's 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford, where manager Ten Hag was forced to deal with a number of missing players as both Marcus Rashford and captain Bruno Fernandes failed to make the squad.
Their absence adds to United's growing list of injured players, with Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial all currently sidelined.
Rooney was present during Sunday's defeat at Old Trafford, and shared his thoughts on the plight of his former club.
Talking to Sky Sportshe said: “There are very good players in the team but their performance is below standard. If we look at the injuries they have received, some of those players can play, 100%.
“If they are [behind Ten Hag], they don't show well. It is easy when the European competition or the FA Cup final is coming, for the players to sit out for a while and prepare for the final and the Euros.
“I've seen this myself over the years and I think the players are not fulfilling anything at the moment and the manager will take all the stick for that.”
Opposing Rooney in the studio was fellow United legend Roy Keane, who admitted he would expect players to deal with injuries very quickly.
“That's not a good sign,” Keane said in response to Rooney's claims. “He hopes that the injured players are eager to return to playing football.
“There are always a few players at every club who drag their heels because of a few injuries. But some players, who I played with, will try to get a week or two out of that.
“That's always a concern, but that goes on in a lot of teams, when they have a lack of confidence and they're out of it, and they're not in a rush to get back into the team.”
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