Wayne Rooney Slams Manchester United's Lazy Players: They 'Need To Be Hurt'

Wayne Rooney has slammed Manchester United’s lazy effort that led to their 5-0 thrashing against rivals Liverpool FC, saying the players "need to be hurt" after such disastrous performances.

Liverpool netted four goals in the first half at Old Trafford last week, before the Reds made it 5-0 in the second half. Mo Salah netted a hattrick while the other goals were scored by Naby Keita and Diogo Jota.

Rooney, who is currently is managing Championship club Derby County, pointed out Red Devils’ lethargic performance, where thet were “not willing” to run back and defend against Liverpool.

"The Liverpool game wasn’t easy to watch. I’m seeing too many players not willing to run back, not willing to defend and not willing to put everything on the line for that club and that’s not acceptable. Those players need to be hurt, need to feel when you lose games how much it hurts you. There is a big responsibility on those players. They are world-class players, international players and a club like United need more," Rooney was quoted by Sky Sports, as saying ahead of his Derby County's Championship match to Blackburn Rovers.

Following the heavy loss, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under scrutiny. But Solskjaer has received some support from his former Old Trafford teammate – Rooney.

"The players have to question themselves. It’s too easy for the manager to take all the stick when those players are being paid a lot of money to do the job and I don’t think they’re doing it well enough," added Rooney, who also called Solskjaer a "fighter."

"Obviously there’s pressure on Ole - everyone can see that. But I know Ole and he’s a fighter. He’ll keep doing the right things, believing in what he believes in, and trying to get more out of those players," said Rooney.

Earlier, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes criticized Mason Greenwood for ruining the game for his side against Liverpool while he also slammed Paul Pogba, saying the Red Devils "won’t miss anything" if the Frenchman did not play again.

Manchester United’s upcoming assignment is a Premier League away game against Tottenham on Saturday.