Wayne Rooney Warns Ruben Amorim: ‘Man Utd Still Need One or Two More Signings’ Despite Top-Five Prediction
United icon backs Amorim to guide Red Devils into top five but insists the squad still lacks key signings to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged new boss Ruben Amorim to strengthen his squad further if the club is to return to the top of English football. While Rooney believes United will improve dramatically under their Portuguese manager, he has warned they are “still one or two signings short” of where they need to be.
Speaking on a special Match of the Day season preview show alongside Kelly Cates, Danny Murphy, and Julien Laurens, Rooney backed his old club to jump from last season’s disastrous 15th-place finish to fifth by May — but insisted more additions are vital.
“I still think they [United] need one or two more signings,” Rooney said. “But you can see what Amorim is doing. It’s looking better for Manchester United, and I think they’ll sneak into the top five. I hope they do — you never know.”
Optimism, But Not Without Caution
United’s 2024/25 campaign begins on Sunday with a tough home clash against Arsenal. The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha have given fans renewed optimism, but Rooney’s message suggests the rebuild isn’t finished.
He acknowledged Amorim’s early progress in improving the style and spirit of the team, but his warning was clear — without further reinforcements, breaking into the Premier League’s elite could remain just out of reach.
Banter Over “United Bias”
Rooney’s prediction of a top-five finish prompted some light-hearted teasing from fellow pundit Julien Laurens, who asked with a grin:
“Who did you play for again?”
The joke drew laughter in the studio, but Rooney stood by his comments, stressing that his view was based on what he sees in Amorim’s developing squad rather than just sentiment.
Liverpool Tipped for the Title
Despite backing United for a revival, Rooney believes it’s their bitter rivals Liverpool who will lift the Premier League trophy this season. He even went a step further, saying they could be “unstoppable” if they sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
“I already had Liverpool as favourites to win the title this year,” Rooney explained. “But if Isak comes in, then I think they’re gonna be unstoppable. The quality they’ve got, and replacing Trent [Alexander-Arnold] in that role with someone like Jeremie Frimpong — who has the attributes to do it — means they look strong.”
Isak is currently at odds with Newcastle and is believed to want a move to Anfield. Liverpool have already seen a £120 million bid rejected but are expected to try again before the transfer window closes.
