“You have to use him”: Rooney lambasts United star’s role in World Cup elimination

Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot had their World Cup dream ended by Spain at the last-16 stage in a 0-1 defeat. Portugal defeat It was also the last World Cup match that former Red Devil Cristiano Ronaldo will ever play. Fernandes struggled to impose himself on the game and, frankly, the entire tournament, as his incredible season for United could not be replicated for his nation. Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has already stepped down as the nation dissects what went wrong against their Iberian neighbours. Wayne Rooney comments The former United star is now working as a pundit for the World Cup and has had his say on Fernandes and his former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney took a swipe at Fernandes’ efforts on the pitch and lambasted his attempts to get Ronaldo involved in the match. The United legend, speaking to the BBC (via Sportskeeda), explained, “if you are playing Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to use him.” Reflecting on a Portugal chance he stated, “the ball could have been put in the box here, from Bruno but he refused to put it in. If you play him, you have to use him, on set pieces he is still a massive threat for Portugal.” Rooney also warned that Ronaldo can no longer receive the ball 30 yards from goal but instructed the Portugal players what they needed to do. He asserted, “get the ball into the penalty area where he is still effective.” Fernandes and Dalot will now have a well-earned holiday after a long season. They will link up with United’s pre-season tour in the coming weeks. Stat CategoryDetailValue ShotsTotal shots1 Key passesPasses leading to a shot2 CrossesAccurate / Attempted2 / 5 Long ballsAccurate / Attempted4 / 10 TouchesTotal touches67 DribblesCompleted / Attempted0 / 1 ClearancesDefensive clearances2 RecoveriesBall recoveries5 Aerial duelsWon / Total1 / 1 Ground duelsWon / Total1 / 3 Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.