Wayne Rooney has hit out at Manchester United's players after their performance at Watford resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer getting the sack.
The Red Devils lost 4-1 at Vicarage Road, their fifth defeat in seven Premier League games, as they fell further behind leaders Chelsea.
Solskjaer had been coming under mounting pressure following losses to Liverpool and Manchester City at Old Trafford.
But the reverse at Watford was the final straw, with Rooney slamming the players as he questioned their work rate.
The Derby boss played in a trophy-laden era at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, who always demanded 100 per cent effort from them.
Rooney claimed irrespective of the result maximum work rate was the least that was expected - and he feels as though the XI on the pitch had more to give.
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“Could the players have done more? 100 per cent," he said.
“I was so disappointed watching that game at Watford. As a manager you know you can set the team up, prepare, shape them but there is no excuse for some of them performances.
“None at all. I’ve seen players waving their arms around, giving the ball away, blaming other people. It’s not acceptable. I’d be very angry if that was my players doing that.
“When you look at a club like Manchester United it is one of, if not the, biggest club.
“Those players are in a privileged position to play for them. With the players they have, they have to show more. I’m not saying they have to win the league or the Champions League, they just have to do more, show the fans they are working and playing for the club.
“That is the least you expect as a fan. Results may vary but you have to at least be willing to put the effort in.
“I remember Sir Alex Ferguson saying to me: ‘the hardest thing to do in life is to work hard every day.’ Whatever you're doing, it's so true.”
Michael Carrick has been placed in charge for the short-term whilst the club seek an interim appointment to take them through until the season's end.
Rooney was quizzed on whether he would take up the role at Old Trafford, but made his feelings clear.
He claimed: “I speak to people at Manchester United on a regular basis so I’m sure if they were to come calling it would have already happened.
“I’m committed to Derby County and until someone says ‘you’re not welcome to be the manager here’ I’m here.”
