Rooney slams Fernandes' defending as Man United stun Roma 3-2 in UCL thriller
Wayne Rooney tore into Bruno Fernandes for failing to track back during Manchester United's chaotic 3-2 Champions League comeback win over Roma at Old Trafford today. United were 2-0 down inside 12 minutes after Matias Soule and Donyell Malen (penalty) exploited space left by Diogo Dalot pushing forward.
Rooney, speaking on Amazon Prime at half-time, called United "shot to bits" and zeroed in on Fernandes' captaincy: "For the first goal, if you're playing in a system, when Dalot goes higher, Bruno should go into that position. He has to run back, you're the captain of the football club, run back and take responsibility."
Fernandes missed a penalty before converting the retake to make it 2-1. Then substitute Matheus Cunha scored twice in three minutes to complete the turnaround before getting sent off for celebrating in the stands. United held on with 10 men for a massive win that eases pressure on Michael Carrick.
For Nigerian fans watching the UCL, this is a masterclass in never-say-die spirit—and a reminder that leadership means doing the ugly work when teammates are caught out. Does Fernandes' attacking brilliance excuse defensive lapses, or should captains set the standard in both boxes?