Wayne Rooney says Erik Ten Hag could bring title back to Old Trafford within three years
Derby County manager Wayne Rooney reacts following his team's relegation from the Championship match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in London on Monday.
Wayne Rooney said new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will need time from the board and patience from the fans if his squad rebuild is to be successful.
United named Ajax Amsterdam coach Ten Hag as their new manager to succeed interim boss Ralf Rangnick from the end of this season, with the 52-year-old signing a three-year deal.
Ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager to be appointed by United since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and he will be tasked with reviving the fortunes of the Old Trafford club, who are sixth in the Premier League with five matches left.
"It's a massive job," said former United striker Rooney, who currently manages Derby County.
"I think it's good to see now that they have put a manager in that it looks like they are going to give him a bit of time, from what I've seen.
"I'm sure they are going to let him rebuild the squad because that needs to happen. But I think fans have to be a little bit patient with it because it's not going to change overnight or as quick as you would like."
United have not won a trophy since winning the Europa League in 2017 and they last won the Premier League title under Ferguson in the 2012-13 season.
"They (fans) need to be a little bit patient as long as they see progression and players working and playing for the shirt, with hopefully a look at trying to challenge for the title in the next three years maybe," Rooney added.
Today's Headlines
garda probe | ‘Shock’ after body of woman (30s) found in house in Co Roscommon
'very sad time' | Tributes paid to Ava Barry, daughter of campaigner Vera Twomey, who has died age 13
'hurtful' | Holly Willoughby accuses Phillip Schofield of lying to her about ITV affair
Violence | Fears Tallaght feud could explode after child’s grave smashed and set on fire
breaking | Woman cyclist (20s) killed in incident involving car in North Dublin
serious allegations | Man (26) accused of burning and punching heavily pregnant partner
healy stylish | Una Healy turns heads in daring outfit on red carpet after tell-all throuple interview
HORROR SHOOTING | PSNI believe they are ‘on cusp’ of breaking John Caldwell shooting case
derailed | Olympics boxer Steven Donnelly admits ‘drunken’ assault of two men on train
denials | ITV says Phillip Schofield denied ‘rumours of a relationship’ with male colleague