Wayne Rooney hits out at Man Utd transfer window mistake after derby defeat

Michael Carrick and Man Utd are eight points off the top of the table after four games of the new season (Credits: Alan Martin/Shutterstock)

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have been left counting the cost of a disappointing transfer window after a damaging derby defeat.

Erling Haaland’s controversial goal ultimately secured three impressive points for Enzo Maresca’s side, who played with 10 men from the 23rd minute onwards following Phil Foden’s sending off.

Despite their numerical advantage, United struggled to create clear goalscoring opportunities and with few attacking options on the bench, Michael Carrick was unable to change the course of a contest that was settled by Haaland’s ninth goal of the campaign already.

United’s summer business largely centered on bolstering a midfield that lost the services of Casemiro following the expiration of his contract and Manuel Ugarte to a long-term injury.

Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos all arrived to compensate, but Carrick was left without the defensive and attacking reinforcements he craved.

While Rooney admitted his old side were hard done by as a result of VAR’s decision making, he fears his old teammate has been left hamstring by a lack of spending during the close season.

He said: ‘I thought Manchester United were the better team and dominated City up until half-time, but they gave away too many free-kicks and allowed the game to be slowed down which suited City perfectly.

Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in the Manchester derby (Picture: Getty)

‘Once City got their goal they managed the game brilliantly and United just couldn’t find enough quality, especially in the final third.

‘Haaland’s goal should not have stood, it was offside, but as soon as City went ahead they used all their nous and game management to frustrate United.

‘They restricted them to pretty much one chance and didn’t look in any danger at all.