Wayne Rooney described Manchester United’s first-half performance against Roma as “certainly the lowest” he had seen from the club, before praising their fight and effort in a Champions League comeback victory.
Speaking at half-time, Rooney criticised Bruno Fernandes for failing to track back and said United had lost their way.
Asked whether the opening 45 minutes represented a new low for his former club, Rooney said: “Yes, there have been plenty of low moments recently, but this is certainly the lowest.
“You’re playing in the Champions League, and there’s been a lot of discussion and criticism about this team. People would expect some kind of response, but there was nothing, absolutely nothing.
“Roma were more aggressive when they won the ball, and nobody from Manchester United pressed them. They really struggled on the left flank.
“You just want to see something, some fight, effort and desire to win, but there was nothing.”
Rooney also focused on the defending for Roma’s first goal, insisting Fernandes had to cover the space left by Diogo Dalot when the full-back moved forward.
“For the first goal conceded, if you play a system where Dalot pushes forward, Bruno should cover that position. He has to track back,” he said.
“You are the captain, so get back and defend, and take responsibility.
“You are a team and must play as a team. When a teammate is out of position, even if you don’t want to go there, even if you don’t want to track back, you have to go back.”
The former Manchester United forward said he sympathised with the club’s supporters, who he felt were unsure whether to continue backing the team or put pressure on the players.
“I really feel sorry for the fans, because they don’t know what to do. It has been many years since they were in this situation, and they don’t know whether to keep supporting the team or put pressure on them. I really feel for them,” Rooney added.
“This team has lost its way. No confidence, no belief, the team is all over the place.”
However, Rooney’s assessment changed after Manchester United’s response following the interval.
“The second half was fantastic. They played further forward and ultimately deserved to win the game,” he said.
“The first half was terrible, but in the second half we saw the fight and effort we wanted. The fans were fully behind the team, and you felt they could go on and win this game.”
Former England international Alan Shearer credited Carrick with helping to change the match after United had appeared close to elimination at half-time.
“Carrick deserves immense credit, because they were on the verge of elimination at halftime,” Shearer said.
“They were a mess in the first half, and he had to adjust and fine-tune a few things.
“I don’t know exactly what he said, but he must have started in the dressing room, pointing at a few individuals and telling them to be braver, show more courage and pass the ball faster.
“They did all of that in the second half, and they reaped the rewards by securing the victory.”
