Wayne Rooney blasts Manchester United board over two transfer mistakes

Wayne Rooney has criticised Manchester United over their summer transfer policy.

The Red Devils spent most of their transfer budget on midfield, signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million. 

Carlos Baleba’s arrival was confirmed late in the window for a fee worth up to £70m. 

Reflecting on United’s summer transfer window following Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Everton, Rooney claims the club should have addressed other issues in their squad.

He said on Stick to United: “I just felt, and the Everton game showed me what I felt as well, United were the better team.

“They had a lot of control in the game, but a lack of a number nine (hurt them). For whatever reason, (Benjamin) Sesko is not fully fit – he missed pre-season.

“They are lacking a number nine and full-back position in terms of competition for places. I think Michael (Carrick) has been left short on that.”

Sesko is United’s first-choice striker, but Matheus Cunha led their attack against Everton.  

The Brazilian is not a natural striker, and he often looked like a lone figure during the game. 

Sesko was introduced off the bench for the final 20 minutes, and he scored a brilliant header. 

United have retained Joshua Zirkzee, but he is not a natural centre-forward.

The club are also short at full-back. Luke Shaw has been a faithful servant, but he cannot be relied on to start every game. 

The Red Devils were linked with Newcastle United star Lewis Hall and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde. 

However, they did not make a concrete move for either player.