Arsenal crashed to their third Premier League defeat of the season after losing 3-2Â at home to Manchester United earlier this weekend. And, Red Devils great Wayne Rooney has stated that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is to blame for his side’s recent defeat.
Manchester United Icon Points Fingers at Arsenal Boss
Earlier on Sunday, Jan. 25, Arsenal went ahead in their clash against the Red Devils after a Lisandro Martinez own goal in the 29th minute. However, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu scored a goal each by the 50th minute to put the visitors in front in the clash.
After Dorgu’s goal, Arteta brought on Victor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Ben White in the 58th minute. Although Merino scored an equalizer in the 84th minute, Matheus Cunha bagged the decisive goal for Manchester United just three minutes later.
Speaking on BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney questioned Arteta’s decision to make four substitutions before the hour mark, hinting the Spaniard reacted hastily.
“I think there was a panic today. I think Arteta’s brilliant, I’ve praised him a lot. But I think he panicked after Manchester United went 2-1 up and to make the four changes at once. I think he panicked and rushed those changes, and rather than let Arsenal try and get back into the game with the players they had on the pitch,” Rooney commented.
After suggesting Arteta disrupted his team’s rhythm during the 3-2 loss against Manchester United, Rooney also highlighted how sub-par the north London club have been of late.
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“The main thing for Arsenal now is not to panic, because I think that’s two points from the last nine. And, if you were to give them a four-point lead at this stage of the season, then I’m sure they would have taken it. But the slight concern is just the last few weeks… only picking up those two points out of nine,” the Red Devils legend concluded.
Arteta, who has been winless in his last three league matches in charge of his side, has lost just three games across all competitions this term. He has guided his club to an impressive 27 wins and five draws in 35 overall outings in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign.
The Emirates Stadium outfit, who are atop the Premier League table with 50 points from 23 matches, will next be in action in the UEFA Champions League. They will face Kairat Almaty on Wednesday before visiting Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.
