Former England captain Wayne Rooney has sounded the alarm for Tottenham Hotspur, claiming the club is now in a Premier League relegation battle following a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.

The loss at Old Trafford extended Spurs’ winless run to seven Premier League games, leaving Thomas Frank’s side 15th in the table, only six points above the relegation zone.

“You’d have to say they are [in a relegation battle] with their current form,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. “West Ham have been in form, Nottingham Forest pick up results here and there. You can’t think that they’re not in a relegation battle where they are. I think they’ll definitely be looking over their shoulders.”

Spurs’ Struggles Compounded by Romero Red Card

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was shown a red card in the first half for a late challenge on Casemiro, marking his sixth dismissal in a Spurs shirt. Rooney described the decision as “a little harsh” but criticized Romero’s ongoing disciplinary issues.

“I can see why it’s been given, but I think it’s a little bit harsh,” Rooney added. “Sometimes you lose your head and I think he’s done that throughout his time at Tottenham.”

Romero’s red card came shortly after he criticized the club on social media, calling it “disgraceful” that Spurs had only 11 fit players for a recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

Rooney: Comments Increase Pressure on Thomas Frank

Rooney believes such remarks only add to the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank.

“What doesn’t help is comments in the week before about the lack of players Tottenham have,” Rooney explained. “He clearly speaks his mind, but you’ve got to back that up with performances when you’re vocal like that — and I don’t think he’s done that. All that’s going to do is bring more pressure on Thomas Frank.”

Tottenham now face a crucial period in the Premier League, as fans and pundits alike question whether Frank can steer the club clear of the relegation zone.