Manchester United suffered a record 14th defeat of the Premier League season against Arsenal as they stare the prospect of no European football in the face.
A Leandro Trossard goal proved the difference as United, recently humbled 4-0 by Crystal Palace, continued their nosedive in form with a 1-0 loss to the Gunners.
Casemiro - who felt the brunt of Roy Keane's criticism at half-time - was at fault for the decisive goal on a difficult day for the Red Devils.
The Brazilian's unwillingness to get up the pitch after a pass out to the field from his goalkeeper played Kai Havertz onside, something that resulted in a straightforward goal for Arsenal.
Leandro Trossard finds the back of the net! 🥽 pic.twitter.com/qG7HdrmFLz
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 12, 2024
United manager Erik Ten Hag did not have a full set of players to choose from, with Casemiro having to deputise at centre-back as some big names missed out through injury.
Wayne Rooney accuses Manchester United players of using injuries to avoid playing
Club legend Wayne Rooney cut a forlorn figure in the Sky Sports studio as he watched the club he won it all with hit new lows in the defeat.
Assessing his former side's current woes, Rooney made an eyebrow-raising accusation although he did not call out any individual players.
The former striker shared his belief that some of United's players were using their injuries as an excuse not to rush back to action for their club.
As we look at the injuries they've picked up... some of those players can play 100," Rooney claimed.
"It is easy when you have got the European Championship coming up, an FA Cup final coming up.
"It is easy for players - because they are getting a bit of stick now - it is easy for players to stay out for a little bit and come back towards the final and get themselves ready for the European Championships.
"You've seen it. I've seen it myself over the years.
"I think the players who are being injured are not filling themselves with any credit for the minute and the manager is going to take all the stick for that."
Rooney is absolutely spot on. Perfect way for some of them to hide from the criticism is to hide behind injuries. Such a weak mentality within this squad & until that changes, nothing else will. pic.twitter.com/KOOt8S23Px
— Paul (@P4ul785) May 12, 2024
A big claim from Rooney who did not shy away from his statement when asked to double down on what he had said.
Regardless, United fans will be desperate for some of their big name players to come back from injury in time for their FA Cup final meeting with rivals Manchester City later this month.
For all their woes, Ten Hag still has the chance to add the FA Cup to the League Cup he won last season - an impressive feat given their current league form.
SEE ALSO: Sheffield United Boss Sends Warning To Irish Youngster After Premier League Debut
