Rooney and Young stunned as teenager Ayden Heaven fronts United's Champions League media duties

Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young have publicly questioned Manchester United’s leadership culture after teenager Ayden Heaven was selected to speak to the media ahead of the club’s Champions League fixture against Roma — a match in which the youngster was also named in Michael Carrick’s starting lineup.

Rooney, speaking before kick-off, acknowledged that Heaven handled himself well but used the moment to highlight a broader problem at Old Trafford. “I thought he spoke very well,” Rooney said. “I think they had Kobbie Mainoo doing the press conference yesterday as well, so I think that shows when players have come out with questions and questioned the board and the manager, they’ve done it for a reason.”

The former United and England captain was pointed in his criticism of the club’s more experienced players. “Bruno Fernandes or Martinez could quite clearly be there right now, talking and saying we need to dig in and fight,” Rooney added. “What’s happening, we have spoke about it but we’re here and lead by example — and they’re not leading by example.”

Ashley Young echoed that sentiment, saying he could not believe a player of Heaven’s age and experience was the one stepping forward at such a difficult moment for the club. “Surely there’s senior players who will be like: ‘Look, things aren’t going well. I need to front up and show my personality,’” Young said. “When you’ve got a kid that’s coming out that’s starting the Champions League tonight when things are tough, and he’s the one that’s being put up to speak — it just shows what exactly is going on at this football club right now. Things aren’t going in the right direction.”

The comments reflect growing concern around United’s dressing-room dynamics under Carrick, with two of the club’s most decorated former players now openly questioning whether the squad’s senior figures are stepping up during a turbulent period in the club’s European campaign.