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Wayne Rooney slams Man Utd flops for ‘hiding behind social media’ and says squad must ‘fear’ Solskjaer

The DC United star spent 13 years at Old Trafford but admits it is now a struggle to watch his former side

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WAYNE ROONEY blasted Manchester United flops for "hiding behind social media" - and believes the players need to "fear" Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The former Red Devils hero, who spent 13 years at Old Trafford, also admitted it has become a struggle for him to watch his old side.

 Wayne Rooney hit out at Manchester United's players for being distracted by social media as he admits it has become a struggle to watch his old club
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Wayne Rooney hit out at Manchester United's players for being distracted by social media as he admits it has become a struggle to watch his old clubCredit: Alamy Live News

United's poor form in the early part of the season led to Jose Mourinho's sacking in December.

And despite an upturn when Solskjaer came in, the season ended in disaster with eight defeats from the final 12 matches, including to relegated Cardiff on the final day.

And players heading to social media after defeats to promote their own business interests particularly angers the ex-England captain.

Now playing at DC United in the MLS, he is looking back at a Manchester United side being run by two of his former team-mates.

But with Solskjaer and first-team coach Michael Carrick trying to implement their philosophy and style on the team while passing on their experience of playing for the club, Rooney is worried the pair do not have the authority and fear factor compared to previous bosses.

He told The Wayne Rooney Podcast: "I think the players need to fear someone. They need to fear Ole Gunnar.

"They need to fear Michael Carrick. They need to respect them but fear them also.

These players almost always like to find someone to hide behind, whether that is on their social media or on the football pitch.

Wayne Rooney

"The way the game has gone has changed, society has changed. You have got social media.

"You have got players losing a game and posting something on social media about their new clothing range, their new aftershave, whatever they're bringing out, which I find remarkable."

Rooney doesn't name names, but his targets are pretty clear.

Paul Pogba's famous "caption this" post on Instagram just minutes after Mourinho was sacked was followed by a heavy backlash from supporters and ex-players alike.

This season the French World Cup winner - who has 35million followers on Instagram - has also brought out his Pogmoji app.

Team-mate Jesse Lingard - who recorded more yellow cards than goals or assists this season - released his own clothing range.

Striker Romelu Lukaku - whose last goal came on March 6 - was criticised for bringing out an aftershave and recording music tracks.

Rooney added: "When fans speak up on it and say 'why are you posting that?' they always have the marketing people to blame [but] take responsibility.

"They work for you. Those marketing people work for you. I have people who do similar stuff for me and they never do anything without my instructions.

"If that is what you're doing, you're sitting at the top of that business. You have to take responsibility for them.

"These players almost always like to find someone to hide behind, whether that is on their social media or on the football pitch and that's what they are doing."

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