Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy agree on solution to key issue to Leeds problems
Wayne Rooney is the latest figure in football to weigh in on the growing problems at Leeds United, as pressure continues to mount on Daniel Farke following another disappointing result. The Whites fell to a damaging 3–1 defeat away to Nottingham Forest last weekend, extending their miserable run of form and leaving the club perilously close to the relegation zone as the Premier League pauses for the international break.
For Leeds, this upcoming fortnight could prove decisive. The mood around Elland Road has turned increasingly anxious after a series of poor performances, and Farke now faces the daunting task of steadying a side that has lost four of its last five league matches. Their only victory in that spell came against fellow strugglers West Ham United, and that narrow win has done little to ease the growing sense of unease among supporters.
Going into the Forest clash, both sides were desperate for points, knowing how significant a win could be in the fight to avoid relegation. Leeds started brightly and took the lead early on, but their advantage evaporated almost instantly as Forest equalized within two minutes. The hosts then took full control of the game, dominating possession and punishing Leeds’ defensive lapses with two second-half goals that sealed all three points. It was another sobering afternoon for Farke’s men, who once again looked fragile at the back and short of confidence in attack.
Now sitting just one point above the relegation zone, Leeds enter the break with major questions surrounding both their form and the manager’s future. Reports have already surfaced linking Brendan Rodgers to the Elland Road job, should the club decide to make a change. While Farke remains confident that his team can turn things around, external voices are beginning to cast doubt—and among the latest to share his thoughts is former Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney.
Wayne Rooney shares honest assessment of Leeds’ struggles
Speaking alongside Danny Murphy, Rooney offered a frank analysis of Leeds United’s ongoing struggles. The pair discussed the club’s defensive frailties and lack of cohesion, concluding that the problems at Elland Road run deeper than just a misfiring attack.
“For Leeds, it’s a bit of a concern,” Rooney admitted. “I think all they can keep doing is trying to create chances and hope the forwards convert them. But the real issue is at both ends of the pitch. They’re conceding far too many goals, and that makes it impossible to build momentum.”
Murphy agreed, highlighting the team’s defensive instability as the biggest concern: “I think Wayne’s right. Defensively, they need to tighten up. Even if that means sacrificing some attacking threat for now, it’s vital that they stop conceding so easily. You can’t expect to survive in this league if you keep shipping goals the way they are.”
Defensive lapses remain Leeds’ Achilles heel
Both pundits make a valid point. Leeds have been alarmingly easy to play against this season. Their defending has often been chaotic, marked by lapses in concentration, poor organization, and costly individual mistakes. Even when Farke has attempted to freshen things up—such as introducing Jaka Bijol into the backline—the problems have persisted.
Too often, opponents have found space between the lines or exploited gaps left by full-backs pushing too high. In several matches, simple long balls or quick transitions have undone Leeds’ defensive shape. The goalkeeping situation hasn’t helped either, with unconvincing performances adding to the anxiety at the back.
The international break now offers Farke and his coaching staff a chance to regroup, reassess, and address the team’s recurring issues. Restoring defensive discipline must be the top priority. The upcoming fixtures will test Leeds’ resilience to the limit—they face Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool in quick succession once play resumes. Those matches could define not only their season but also Farke’s future at the club.
Time for Farke to find answers
Despite the mounting criticism, there remains a belief within parts of the fanbase that Farke deserves time to turn things around. His Leeds side have shown flashes of attacking promise, particularly when players like Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor link up in the final third. However, those moments have been overshadowed by their inability to defend leads or maintain composure under pressure.
Rooney and Murphy’s assessment echoes what many Leeds supporters already know: the foundation of survival in the Premier League starts with defensive stability. Unless the Whites can plug the leaks and regain confidence, the battle against relegation could quickly spiral into a full-blown crisis.
As the club uses this international window to reflect, the message is clear—Leeds must rediscover their identity, strengthen their backline, and rebuild belief before it’s too late. The next few weeks could shape the rest of their campaign—and determine whether Daniel Farke remains the man to lead them forward.