Rooney calls for midfield rethink as United start with one win in six

Manchester United have won only one of their first six Premier League games, and Wayne Rooney believes Michael Carrick needs to change the midfield before Bruno Fernandes’ frustration boils over. His proposed fix is to move the captain deeper or leave him out while United add more security in front of the back four.

Fernandes cut a frustrated figure after Saturday’s draw with Tottenham. Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead, and Spurs were reduced to 10 men shortly afterwards, but Dominic Solanke’s late equaliser denied Carrick’s side a return to winning ways.

Speaking to The United Stand, Rooney said Fernandes looked fed up with the pattern of results despite his individual recognition as the recently crowned PFA Player of the Year. Rooney warned that the captain’s frustration was building and argued he may need to be taken out of his current role “just to breathe again”.

The concern is not only about Fernandes’ mood. The Daily Mail reports that he has created one big chance this season — a long ball for Mbeumo against Ipswich Town — and is making 2.6 chances per 90 minutes. Those numbers help explain why Rooney wants Carrick to reconsider how United use their captain, rather than simply expecting him to carry the attack in the same way.

Rooney’s suggestion is a more compact midfield, potentially with three players. He argued that Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans lack the speed and mobility to cover the full width of the pitch without support. He floated Carlos Baleba as an additional option, while noting that Tielemans could play in a more attacking role and Mainoo can also contribute further forward.

The verdict is about structure as much as selection: Rooney wants United to protect the defence first, even if that means sitting deeper, then build towards winning games. That would mean a change in responsibility for Fernandes, not necessarily a permanent removal from the team.

Carrick’s next test is a trip to Leeds United on Sunday 18 October at 14:00 BST. Leeds are seventh with nine points from six games and have lost only once. With Atletico Madrid also on the horizon, United’s midfield balance is an immediate decision for Carrick as he looks for a response to their difficult start.