Rooney believes that after the summer transfer window closed, the Manchester United board provided Carrick with a squad that had shortcomings, needing to sign a left-back to provide rotation support for Luke Shaw; at the same time, he insisted that the team still needed a new striker to relieve the pressure on Hojlund, who has not yet started a Premier League game this season.

"I've always held this view, and the game against Everton confirmed my thoughts. Manchester United were clearly the better side, controlling the game, but the team lacked a genuine number nine. For whatever reason, Hojlund's physical condition wasn't optimal; he missed the entire pre-season preparation," Rooney said in a video program.

"There's a lack of a genuine number nine, and also a lack of internal competition at full-back."

"I think Luke Shaw played exceptionally well against Everton, he had a chance to get closer to scoring the first goal, and played very well throughout. His link-up with Rashford was also excellent.

But later in the game, Dalot and Mazraoui came on and played at left-back. For a team aiming to compete at the top of the Premier League, returning to the Champions League is gratifying, but after making it to the Champions League, you also need the strength to compete. Can we win the Champions League? Unlikely, nothing is absolute, but hope is slim.

But you need a truly competitive squad, and I think the squad Michael has been given is lacking."

"Luke Shaw can't play every game, so Dalot and Mazraoui have to deputize at left-back. We've seen too many players forced to play positions they're not familiar with. The club should have signed players to solve these kinds of problems.

You can't help but question it. I know Michael has publicly stated he's happy with the current group of players. But I don't believe any coach is truly satisfied; you always want more players, and you always want more help for the team on the field.

I don't think the defense is strong enough. Harry Maguire is pretty much the first-choice center-back, Martinez has been plagued by injuries; Heaton has huge potential, I personally rate him highly, but that's just potential, he hasn't shown enough in competitive matches. The full-back positions are a big concern."

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