Wayne Rooney sends strong message to Man Utd over Bruno Fernandes

Wayne Rooney has told Manchester United they should not sell captain Bruno Fernandes, insisting a new squad needs to be built around the midfielder.

The Red Devils have come under scrutiny for much of the current season - they in eighth place and on track to record their worst-ever finish in the Premier League.

There have been a few glimmers of hope in United's disappointing season, with skipper Fernandes offering great leadership on the pitch after being promoted to captain and continuing to contribute goals and assists.

His efforts have been regarded highly by club legend Rooney, who believes a brand new squad build around the Portuguese star is needed to secure success.

Speaking after United's tense 3-2 win over Newcastle on Wednesday evening, Rooney told Sky Sports: "You have to build the team around Bruno. He's the one player with quality, he has got fight in him.

"I think the young players and then...all the other players, get rid of them. I think you keep the young players, you keep Bruno and I think it has to be a massive clear out. It has to be.

"It is not going to be in one year. I think it has got to be over the next couple of years. [Andre Onana] I think he has got better, he had a shaky start to the season but he has got better.

"[The defenders] for me I think Diogo Dalot has done well, [Harry] Maguire has had an in-and-out season. To compete they need better, they need better players to compete in this league.

"To compete with Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal they need better. We all know Marcus [Rashford] has the ability and capability to play at the top level. We haven't seen that, I just wonder if it is time for him to go elsewhere."

Fernandes has been linked with a move away from United in recent weeks, with Bayern Munich, Inter and the Saudi Pro League tipped as potential destinations.

READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP