WAYNE ROONEY has labelled Erik ten Hag a "fantastic" manager and has pinpointed a possible reason behind Manchester United's failings.
The Red Devils have suffered their worst start to a Premier League season and lie 14th after picking up just two wins in seven games.
Ten Hag is under pressure but looks set to stay in charge with draws against Porto and Aston Villa appearing to save his job.
Man Utd have a number of candidates in mind to replace the Dutchman but he has received backing from club legend Rooney, who is against the idea of having to undergo another rebuild at Old Trafford if Ten Hag is sacked.
Asked if Ten Hag is the right man for the job, Rooney told : "Well that's obviously down to the owners of the football club to look at that. I'm sure Erik Ten Hag is a fantastic manager.
"He's won trophies wherever he's been and won trophies at Manchester United as well.
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"So yes, he's going through a difficult period and I think he'd probably say that himself.
"But you hope he can turn it around because too often managers lose their jobs and then it's another rebuild with a different manager."
Rooney, 38, also offered Ten Hag a tip on how he could turn things around, suggesting he needs to implement a core of British players.
He said on : "I think for everyone who wants Manchester United to do well, it's been frustrating.
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"I think the culture of the football club is… we've seen a lot of players who are coming in, a lot of foreign players.
" I think Manchester United's identity was always a good core of British players and I think that's maybe missing a little bit, players who can control the dressing room and help the manager out when they're going through a difficult period.
"So I think that's a big change, if you like, from what I've seen over the last few years, but we hope Ten Hag can turn it around and get them back challenging."