‘100% right’ – Graeme Souness backs Wayne Rooney’s claim Man Utd players are faking injuries

Graeme Souness has backed Wayne Rooney's claim that Manchester United players are feigning injuries to miss matches following their 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal

Graeme Souness has backed Wayne Rooney's assertion that some Manchester United players are feigning injuries.

The former United skipper's damning opinion preceded the Red Devils' defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford. A first half goal from Leandro Trossard was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Mikel Arteta's Gunners.

Despite Erik ten Hag's side playing better than they did in their 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, United fans were left disappointed by their display against the Premier League leaders. During his guest appearance on Sky Sports' coverage of the match, Rooney suggested many players on United's injury list would make themselves available if they were committed enough.

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United's record goal-scorer said: "We look at the injuries they’ve picked up, some of those players can play. Some of those players can play, 100%.”

While Rooney's comments have divided opinion in the football world, Souness agreed with the ex-England captain. reports the Mirror. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "He's heard the same [as me], I'm sure his information will be better than mine because he'll know people that are in that dressing room.

"I have heard this, there are players who are capable of playing and their injuries aren't as serious as they would have you believe. And that's a shocking indictment, imagine that. I wouldn't get out of bed if someone accused me of that.

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"Manchester United are a special football club and there's people choosing when they play for them. They're not all in it together, they're not all rowing in the same direction, they're not all up for a fight. And that's why you're getting the performances you're getting and it's so embarrassing."

Responding to radio host Jim White's queries about his source, Souness retorted: "I won't go down that road Jim, you're wasting your breath. I'd be giving away a confidence I've got. I can't give the confidence away but what this chap said to me would be 100% right."

Ten Hag was without Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Marcus Rashford on Sunday (May 12).

Throughout this season, Ten Hag has lamented his side's numerous injuries. He says that he has been forced to deploy 32 different defensive lines, such is the extent of their injury trouble.

Following their loss to Arsenal, United remain stranded eighth place in the table. They trail Chelsea and Newcastle United by three points, with European qualification remaining up in the air.

Ahead of their FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City on May 25, United's remaining league fixtures see them welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford and make a journey south-east to face Brighton & Hove Albion.

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