Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney believes West Ham are struggling due to a lack of leadership in the first-team squad.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney claimed the absence of a captain who can lead by example has been the club’s undoing under the management of Graham Potter:

“Over the past 10 years, the success West Ham have had has been when you’ve got players like Mark Noble and Declan Rice – players who have got quality on the ball.”

“They’re going to take the game by the scruff of the neck, lead the other players and put tackles in, and that runs right through the team.”

“Then the other players react to that. That’s what West Ham are missing – that leader in there who’s going to do that for them.”

Why Rooney is wrong

Since Rice’s departure for Arsenal, Jarrod Bowen has been the talisman for the Hammers, and he does have the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck. Hammers fans have seen it countless times over the years.

However, the club captain can’t do everything himself. He needs help from those around him, and there is simply not enough quality in the team.

Should West Ham look to the academy?

Fans have been pressing for youngsters such as George Earthy and Freddie Potts to get more game time. After all, they understand what the club represents, and they would fight tooth and nail in every game.

However, Rooney believes that throwing young players into a struggling team could damage their careers. Some may question that assessment, considering how others, like Ollie Scarles, have stepped up to the plate.

If and when Potter is sacked, his successor may well have a different attitude to academy players, as well as being able to get a better tune out of the senior squad.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here