Wayne Rooney questions absent Man Utd star and tells club who to build team around

Wayne Rooney discussing Manchester United’s current squad (Picture: Sky Sports)

Wayne Rooney has questioned the prolonged absence of Anthony Martial at Manchester United and urged his former club to build the team around Bruno Fernandes next season.

Martial waved goodbye to United fans after the Red Devils beat Newcastle 3-2 in their final home game of the season on Wednesday night.

Much was expected of the Frenchman following his big-money move from Monaco in 2015 but Martial’s United career petered out and he will depart this summer without much fanfare.

Due to reoccurring injury issues, Martial has only started five Premier League games this season and has not featured since December, with Rooney admitting he could not even remember the last time he saw him in action.

Speaking on Sky Sports following United’s victory over Newcastle, former Old Trafford captain Roy Keane said: ‘If you are constantly injured, you are no good to anybody. OK, every club will have its few injuries.

‘But there are certain players in that group there that always seem to be injured. You can’t rely on these players to turn up week in and week out and play for Man United.’

Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer, then said: ‘It is like Martial for instance, I have played with him. He is a very nice guy.

Anthony Martial waving goodbye to United fans at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

‘But where has he been? I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him play. What’s up with him?’

Keane added: ‘At least his contract is up. At least that is a plus, you say “listen, on you go.” But again it won’t be easy [United’s rebuild].

‘It’s all well and good us sitting round here going, “he needs to go”. The reality is it’s going to be really tough.’

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One player Rooney hopes stays at Manchester United is current captain Fernandes, who has been linked with a move away from the Theatre of Dreams ahead of the summer transfer window.

Several European clubs have expressed interest in signing the Portugal midfielder, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al Nassr are reportedly keen to strike a deal with United.

But Rooney said: ‘You have to build the team around Bruno. He’s the one player with that quality and he has got fight in him.’

United boss Erik ten Hag, who could yet be sacked at the end of the season, also wants Fernandes to extend his spell in Manchester.

‘Absolutely the club wants to keep Bruno,’ the Dutchman said. ‘Everything I know from him, he loves Manchester United, the fans of Manchester United and to play for Manchester United.’

United, who will finish between 6th and 8th this season, travel to Brighton on the final day before meeting Premier League champions-elect Manchester City in the FA Cup final a week on Saturday.

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