'He's got fight in him' - Man Utd urged to sell all but one senior star as Wayne Rooney demands 'massive clear out' at Old Trafford

After United ended their home campaign this season with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle, the club legend made a bold plea to the board to undergo a substantial squad overhaul this summer, retaining only one senior player and the younger academy graduates, like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Rooney believes that only a ruthless approach during a summer clear out could help the Red Devils regain their competitive edge.

However, Rooney emphasised that Bruno Fernandes should be an exception to this exodus. The 29-year-old has recently been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and has also attracted interest from Al-Nassr, where his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays.

"You have to build the team around Bruno," Rooney asserted during a post-match analysis on Sky Sports. "He's quality and has got fight in him, and then I think all the other players, get rid of them."

Rooney clarified: "I think you keep the young players, and you keep Bruno. I think it has to be a massive clear out. It has to be. It's not going to be in one year, but I think it's going to be in the next couple of years... I think [Andre Onana] has had a shaky start but has got better and better over the year. For me, [Diogo] Dalot's done well, [Harry] Maguire has had an in-and-out season. To compete in this league they need better players. Don't get me wrong, these players are good players. But to compete with Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, they need better players."

It was earlier reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keeping an "open mind" regarding player sales and will consider on a case-by-case basis. The only players reportedly not up for sale are Rasmus Hojlund, Garnacho, and Mainoo, indicating a focus on nurturing young talent as part of the rebuilding strategy.

Reflecting on the long-term rebuilding process, Rooney believes that it could take even more than a decade for United to regain the lost glory following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Well, you look at Man City when their new owners came in it took them 15 years to win the Champions League. That's potentially what you might be looking at, you hope not," he said.

While there is no intention to actively offload Marcus Rashford, it has been reported that a credible offer would be considered, particularly if the attacker expressed an interest in seeking new challenges elsewhere.

Rooney backed the sentiment and added: "I just wonder is it time for Marcus to go and play somewhere else. I think he has to ask himself that question. I want him to stay and break records at this club. He needs to work hard and get his head down."

Rashford has been a shadow of his former self scoring just eight goals in 41 appearances in this campaign for the Red Devils.