Wayne Rooney told Man Utd to build the team around four players in 2022, only one remains key for Erik ten Hag

Wayne Rooney told Manchester United there were four players that they should build their team around in 2022 but only one can be considered a key player currently.

In April 2022, United's record goalscorer appeared on Monday Night Football during a period where United looked an utter mess under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Rooney had picked Mauricio Pochettino as his preferred choice for the United job but the club ultimately went with Erik ten Hag, who led them to third and ended a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup in his first season.

He also had some strong thoughts about who the spine of United's team should be going forward, although over a year on and his suggestions haven't aged too well.

Rooney is a huge fan of Marcus Rashford and has urged him to break his scoring record. He found his form again under Ten Hag and hit 30 goals in all competitions last season.

Jadon Sancho, however still hasn't produced the goods at United ever since joining in a £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund and is not considered a regular starter.

Image: Getty

He also name-dropped Jesse Lingard, who is now a free agent again after spending a season at Nottingham Forest - as well as squad player Scott McTominay - who was heavily linked with West Ham.

"I think [Jadon] Sancho will be better next year, Marcus [Rashford] will be better next year," Rooney said on Sky Sports.

"They've got good young players. I think Jesse Lingard should be playing for them because he brings energy, brings quality. Scott McTominay's done well.

"So they do have some good young players, you just have to get some confidence and get them believing that they're good players and perform at the best level.

"And then obviously, whoever the new manager is, I'm sure he'll bring his own players in and build that through."

Rooney is currently manager of DC United in the MLS and had been linked with a move for Lingard, who is on the club's 'Discovery List'.

Image: Getty

However, the former England captain categorically denied talk of a potential transfer for his ex colleague.

"The Jesse Lingard [rumour]? I don't know where that has come from," he said.

"From my point of view we have no interest in signing him."

Topics: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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