sports

Wayne Rooney Slams Liverpool Duo’s Leadership

Published

10 months ago

October 27, 2025

Wayne Rooney criticises Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, saying their poor body language raises serious leadership concerns

Wayne Rooney has openly criticised Liverpool’s senior players, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, for what he described as worrying signs of poor leadership amid the club’s recent struggles.

Also read: Liverpool Suffer Fourth Straight Defeat, Slot Urges Unity

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United striker said the duo’s body language during matches has been “a big concern” and reflective of deeper issues within the squad.

“No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” Rooney said on Monday, according to BBC Sport.

“This is a time where the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season,” he added.

Rooney, known for his outspoken analysis, argued that the demeanour of Liverpool’s two biggest stars has affected the overall mood of the dressing room.

“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top players in that team, and if their body language isn’t right, it affects everyone else,” he said. “If I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

The comments come as Liverpool endure an uncharacteristic dip in form, raising questions over the team’s resilience under pressure.

In contrast, Rooney praised Arsenal’s current momentum, suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s side are now favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

However, he also warned that failure could put the manager’s job at risk.

“The squad is good enough now and I think they’re ready for it,” said Manchester United’s record goalscorer. “But if they don’t win it now, you’d probably see a change of manager.”

Also read: Liverpool Suffer Fourth Straight Defeat, Slot Urges Unity

As debate rages among fans, Wayne Rooney’s strong remarks have once again highlighted his reputation for straight-talking football commentary — and sparked renewed scrutiny of Liverpool’s leadership both on and off the pitch.

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Arsenal target Man Utd youngsters Scanlon, Ogunneye

Published

58 minutes ago

August 19, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Arsenal are working on deals for Man Utd youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye as the Premier League champions strengthen their youth ranks

Arsenal and Manchester United are in talks over potential moves for James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye in London on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with Arsenal working to recruit the two promising United youngsters before the summer transfer window closes.

Also read: Man United close in on £60m-plus Baleba deal

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are pursuing deals for both players and are increasingly confident that agreements can be reached this summer. The report does not indicate that either transfer has been completed.

Scanlon, 19, is an attacking player who has represented Gibraltar at senior international level. The youngster has already collected 24 caps for the national team and has continued to develop through Manchester United’s academy system.

The Gibraltar international spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Swindon Town, giving Scanlon valuable experience of senior football away from United’s Carrington training base.

Scanlon’s international career has also provided a notable milestone. The Manchester United academy product became Gibraltar’s youngest-ever goalscorer and the youngest player to score in the UEFA Nations League.

Ogunneye, 20, is a right-back who has also been involved around United’s first-team environment.

The London-born defender spent part of last season on loan at Newport County, where Ogunneye gained further experience in senior football.

Ogunneye has previously been included in United first-team matchday squads, underlining the regard in which the club has held the defender during his development.

Arsenal’s interest in the pair forms part of a wider effort to strengthen the club’s youth structure.

Reports suggest the club have been actively searching for young players who can develop into first-team options rather than focusing solely on established names.

The potential double move is particularly intriguing because Manchester United have themselves benefited from recruiting young Arsenal talent in recent seasons.

Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi-Martin both left Arsenal’s academy for United, making a possible move in the opposite direction an interesting twist in the rivalry.

Arsenal also have practical reasons for strengthening their youth ranks. Reports have linked the club’s recruitment plans to the need for additional options in wide areas and at right-back, while injuries and academy departures have created openings for new prospects.

For Manchester United, losing two academy players to a direct Premier League rival would represent a significant decision.

Both Scanlon and Ogunneye have shown enough potential to attract serious interest, but neither has yet established a regular place in United’s senior side.

There is also no suggestion at this stage that the deals are imminent. The latest reports indicate that Arsenal are confident agreements can be reached, rather than confirming that terms have already been settled.

Also read: Curtis Jones: Inter Milan agree £30m deal for Liverpool midfielder

With the summer window approaching its final stages, the next few weeks could determine whether Arsenal complete what would be a striking double raid on Manchester United’s academy.