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Ten Hag's side was hammered 4-0 last week away to Crystal Palace and followed that up with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, leaving it eighth in the league table and three points adrift of the top six.

The United manager was quizzed on the difference between the two performances, suggesting the differing showings had been down to players' "attitude".

Rooney, speaking on television coverage, echoed Ten Hag's sentiments as he questioned the application of United's underwhelming performers.

"I've said this a few weeks ago, the players need to look at themselves," the United and England great said.

"When you've got your manager during an interview and he's talking about attitude and attitudes not being right, that is a massive insult.

"If I saw my manager saying that, there is no way I'd let that ride until the end of the season. I feel some players are just trying to get to the end of the season so I feel for him in that way.

"Ultimately, it's his job to make sure the players are right."

Ten Hag has failed to get a tune out of United, dropping out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage and suffering in the Premier League, with its only hope the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The Red Devils have lost 19 games in all competitions this season, their most since 1977-1978 (also 19), while their nine defeats at Old Trafford this term is their joint-most at home in a single campaign.

United has also conceded in 10 successive games in all competitions for the first time since October 2021, while the 82 goals it has conceded this season is its most since 1970-1971 (also 82).

Ten Hag has had to deal with injuries to the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford among others, with Rooney doubling down on his criticism of United's players.

"As we look at the injuries, some of them players can play," the former Everton and Derby County boss continued, with Bruno Fernandes also absent for the Arsenal clash.

"It's easy, you've got a European championship coming up, an FA Cup final coming up. It's easy for the players, because they're getting a bit of stick now, to stay out for a little bit and come back for the FA Cup final and get ready for the European championships.

"I've seen it myself over the years, I just think the players who are injured are not filling themselves with any credit at the minute and the manager is going to take all the stick for that."