Wayne Rooney believes only three clubs can win the Premier League this season – as he unsurprisingly ruled Manchester United out of the title race following their defeat to Brentford.
Liverpool’s 100% record was lost with their late defeat at Crystal Palace, who remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal then moved to within two points of the leaders with their own last-gasp win at Newcastle, while Manchester City’s resurgence continued with a demolition of Burnley.
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Reacting to the weekend’s results, former United striker Rooney bemoaned his old side’s latest defeat and called for action from United’s ownership in response.
Wayne Rooney rules Manchester United out of Premier League title race and names three clubs who will compete
Speaking on his BBC Sport podcast, Rooney said he would prefer Arsenal to win the Premier League over Liverpool or Manchester City, confirming that United ‘definitely’ won’t turn their form around to compete with those three sides.
He said: “I’d much rather them [Arsenal] win the league than Liverpool. I think City will challenge. So, if it’s City, Liverpool, then best of a bad bunch if it can’t be United.”
Pressed on United’s chances, Rooney said: “Yeah, exactly. Well, it won’t be [United]. It definitely won’t be United. That’s for sure.”
And going further, Rooney called for ‘big changes’ at United after all positivity from last week’s win over Chelsea was undone with a lacklustre defeat at Brentford.
Wayne Rooney calls for Manchester United owners to take action after latest Manchester United defeat
Explaining what needs to change at United, Rooney did not hold back. “I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion,” he said.
“Manager, players, whatever that is. Whatever it takes to get Manchester United back. There needs to be a clear message from the owners.
“Whether that is the Glazers, [minority owner] Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there has to be a message of where this club is going. At the minute we are all sitting there waiting for it to crumble.
“The culture of that football club has gone. I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.
“I’ve got two kids [in the academy] at that football club and I really hope this doesn’t affect what they’re doing. What I’m seeing at that football club is not Manchester United.”