Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Football, Sheikh Jassim
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Football, Sheikh Jassim
Wayne Rooney has risked angering Manchester United supporters with his latest comments about the Glazer family.
Rooney, 37, spent 13 hugely successful years at United with the Glazers owning the club for the entirety of his career at Old Trafford.
Their time in charge could be coming to an end soon, however, with the club currently up for sale.
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Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both submitted several bids for the Premier League club, with Raine – the banking group handling the sale on behalf of the Glazers – still in the process of considering those offers.
The sale process is now into its ninth month and is threatening to disrupt the new season, with United facing Wolves in their opening Premier League match on August 14.
Rooney risks angering Man Utd fans
Rooney, who is now head coach of MLS side DC United, believes it is the right time for the Glazers to move on – but insists they deserve credit for their ownership of the club.
"They have been very successful," Rooney told The Athletic.
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"But it has probably got to a place where the fans really want a change. They want to maybe go in a different direction. It needs that excitement back, not just for the first team but to develop the academy and behind the scenes.
"I'm sure they will get the credit they deserve for the job they have done, but also they're going to get the negativity from fans who never seem to acknowledge what they've done for the club.
"I'm sure it will be split, but I think a change is needed."
Rooney's comments could anger United supporters, many of whom have opposed the Glazers' ownership since they completed a leverage buy-out of the club back in 2005.
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Rooney outlines his managerial aspirations
Rooney will come up against a familiar opponent in the early hours of Thursday morning when Arsenal take on an MLS All-Star XI coached by the former United striker.
Speaking ahead of the match, Rooney said he still hoped to manage at the top level of English football.
"Everton and Manchester United are the two clubs," added Rooney.
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"I grew up supporting Everton and spent a long time at United. You hope in the future something becomes available and my job is to make sure I'm ready."