Wayne Rooney suggests £54m man could have made the difference for Chelsea in Manchester United loss

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Wayne Rooney has criticised some of Enzo Maresca’s decisions during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Maresca made early changes in Chelsea‘s loss following Robert Sanchez’s red card in the fifth minute of the match.

Estevao Willian was taken off so goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen could be brought on, while Pedro Neto was also sacrificed for another defender.

Arsenal legend and Chelsea fan Paul Merson was keen to see Neto start at Old Trafford, but he did not get to watch the winger for long.

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Wayne Rooney disagrees with Pedro Neto sub

Maresca had to take off at least one attacker so that another goalkeeper could replace Sanchez, but Rooney did not agree with the Chelsea boss‘ decision to substitute Neto after Estevao had already been sacrificed.

The United legend thinks the 25-year-old would have brought creativity to this Chelsea side, even with 10 men.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney said: “They had no imagination on the pitch, did they? I felt that’s what was missing for Chelsea.

“They had a lot of possession going side-to-side second half, but they missed that creativity, which a Cole Palmer or a Neto could bring them. So I think the change was strange, but thankfully, it helped United.”

While Palmer was also withdrawn, Maresca has explained that his substitution was down to fitness.

Palmer has been struggling with a groin injury, but the attacking midfielder clearly wanted to give the United game a go.

If he is fit enough to play, Palmer and Neto will be hoping that they can help Chelsea bounce back with a win when the Blues take on Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.

Pedro Neto’s reaction to substitution

Neto, who cost Chelsea £54m last summer, could not hold his frustration in after being substituted in just the seventh minute at Old Trafford.

Neto could be heard letting out a roar as he left the pitch and headed to the dugout. He is one of many who would have been annoyed by Sanchez’s reckless challenge.

In total, the Portuguese has made five appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season. He has scored just one goal, which came in the 5-1 win against West Ham United, the Blues’ best performance in the 2025/26 campaign so far.