Wayne Rooney singles out ‘shocking’ error from £12m man as loss dents Newcastle United's European hopes

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has slammed Kieran Trippier for his performance during his side’s 3-2 defeat against the Red Devils. Trippier’s appearance at Old Trafford marked his first start for the Magpies since a 3-0 home victory at home to Wolves on 2 March.

The vice captain has missed eight league matches with a calf injury, but returned to the starting line-up after a late injury blow to fellow right back Tino Livramento. The England international had been a pivotal figure for the club early in the season with an impressive 10 assists. However, he was singled out by Rooney for his role in Manchester United’s opening goal which was converted by breakout star Kobbie Mainoo.

The teenager almost looked surprised at how much space he had, as he eased the ball beyond Martin Dubravka in the first half.

“I think we were quick enough to have a go at Casemiro for the goal against Arsenal but look at Trippier,” he said. “He’s a defender, a full back, that is shocking. He has got to see Mainoo and protect your goal. I don’t know what he’s doing.”

Trippier’s return to the starting line-up did not go to plan after a long lay-off and after consistently struggling throughout the night against Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, the full-back was substituted off for Fabian Schar as Emil Krafth was instead moved into the full back position.

The 33-year-old is vying for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 and was amongst the best performing right backs in the league last season. However, he has struggled for form since December and was criticised in games against both Everton in the league and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in the run-up to his calf injury.

With Tino Livramento out for the remainder of the season, it is now between Trippier and Krafth to make that right back spot their own for the last game of the season away to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Newcastle will need to better Chelsea’s result to have any hope of securing Europa League football, while they will need to at least equal Manchester United’s final day result to have any chance of competing in the Europa Conference League. European qualification for league positions will not be confirmed until after the FA Cup final, as Manchester United could clinch a Europa League spot with victory at Wembley.