Wayne Rooney has said Manchester United must once again become a team that opponents fear, after a disappointing performance at Hull raised fresh questions about the side's direction.
The former United captain, the club's all-time record goalscorer, is reported to have argued that the side needs to rediscover the intensity and aggression that defined its most successful eras.
His comments came after a match in which United struggled to impose themselves, with Hull looking the sharper and more organised side for long spells.
“Fear is earned on the pitch, week after week, and right now opponents are not afraid of this team.”
United lacked control in midfield, frequently allowing the hosts to win second balls and launch counter-attacks into the space left behind their full-backs.
Going forward, the visitors created few clear chances, with promising moves often breaking down through a misplaced pass or a lack of runners into the penalty area.
“Big clubs are judged on how they respond when the opposition is up for it, and on this evidence there is still a lot of work to do,” said one football analyst.
Supporters have grown frustrated with inconsistent results, and many fans have called for greater clarity about the team's style of play and long-term plan.
Hull, by contrast, will take encouragement from a display built on energy and discipline, with their supporters creating a lively atmosphere throughout.
The debate over the club's identity is not new. Successive managers have spoken about restoring the standards of the past, but consistency has proved elusive, and setbacks against teams expected to be beaten have become a recurring source of frustration.
United's coaching staff are expected to review the performance closely before the next fixture, with attention likely to focus on the midfield balance and defensive shape.
