Wayne Rooney once identified four players he thought Manchester United should build their team around - yet none of them remain at the club today. The Old Trafford legend has been vocal about the club's condition since departing in 2017.

Whilst Rooney, who celebrates his 40th birthday today, was instrumental in the United squads that secured multiple Premier League crowns and a Champions League triumph in years past, the top-flight outfit have spectacularly declined since his time. It was back in 2022 when the former England skipper felt that for glory to return to Old Trafford, United needed to construct their side around four specific players, following the naming of Ralf Rangnick's successor that summer.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "I think [Jadon] Sancho will be better next year, Marcus [Rashford] will be better next year. They've got good young players. I think Jesse Lingard should be playing for them because he brings energy, brings quality. Scott McTominay's done well.

"So they do have some good young players, you just have to get some confidence and get them believing that they're good players and perform...