Manchester United have “acquired worse” beneath Ruben Amorim, says former membership captain and report goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
The 20-time English champions appointed Amorim on 1 November final yr to interchange the sacked Erik ten Hag.
Commercial
However greater than 10 months later, the Portuguese head coach seems to be exhibiting few indicators of having the ability to revive the staff’s fortunes.
His facet delivered one other dismal show in a 3-0 derby defeat at Manchester Metropolis on Sunday, with many supporters within the away finish leaving lengthy earlier than the ultimate whistle.
“I need to be as supportive and constructive as I might be on the supervisor and the gamers,” stated the previous England striker on the most recent episode which now you can hearken to on BBC Sounds.
“However it is rather tough to sit down right here and say we’re seeing development, and no less than we’re seeing issues that can get leads to the close to future.
Commercial
“We’re seeing none of that, and it is rather tough. There was a picture in the direction of the top of the sport the place I noticed the Manchester United followers leaving.
“You might hear the followers singing Amorim’s title, however I feel that’s so highly effective that the United followers had been leaving the sport.
“You already know the sport is over and I feel they had been very upset in what they had been seeing. It’s laborious to see the way it continues.
“What are the patterns? What are we seeing what would possibly enhance the staff transferring ahead?”
United completed fifteenth within the league final time period with 42 factors, their lowest place since 1989–90. They earned their fewest factors in a top-flight season since they had been final relegated in 1973–74.
Commercial
Since Amorim’s arrival they’ve spent about £250m on new signings, whereas transport out most of their so-called
This has allowed the 40-year-old coach to revamp his facet right into a 3-4-3 system that he has vowed to not deviate from after having fun with success with Sporting.
Nevertheless, a lot of final season’s issues already look like resurfacing.
“I feel after the final yr when Ten Hag acquired sacked and Ruben got here in, we’re listening to how they’ll play and it’s going to change,” stated Rooney, who scored 253 objectives for United between 2004 and 2017.
“I feel if the supervisor is sincere with himself, it’s got worse.”
Commercial
Watch the Wayne Rooney Present on and iPlayer. Hear on
United displaying ‘relegation type’
United have already suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup defeat by League Two Grimsby within the opening weeks of the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
Alarmingly they’ve additionally managed solely two objectives from open play, whereas dropping twice of their opening 4 league fixtures – with 4 factors their poorest return at this stage since 1992-93 beneath Sir Alex Ferguson.
By then, although, Ferguson already had some credit score within the financial institution having gained the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup, whereas he guided United to a runners-up league end in his first full season (1987-88).
Commercial
In distinction, Amorim’s 36% win price throughout all competitions is the worst of any everlasting United supervisor since World Warfare Two and his win report is a dismal 26% within the league.
Of the 17 sides who’ve been within the Premier League all through since Amorim’s tenure started, his United staff have the worst report – alongside Tottenham – with simply 31 factors from 31 video games.
“Numerous league seasons that’s relegation type,” stated Rooney.
“What’s essential if you’re attempting to implement a brand new fashion is you win video games as effectively whilst you’re doing that.”
Rooney additionally echoed feedback made by different former gamers now working within the media when he addressed Amorim’s insistence on deploying two central midfielders, usually in opposition to opposition sides that includes three.
Commercial
“The issue with this [3-4-3] system is having two in [central] midfield,” he stated.
“The gamers haven’t acquired the power and legs to cowl the total width of the pitch and go up and down. They’re getting overrun and overpowered in that midfield.
“Hear, I’ve had my time as a supervisor, and I understand how it really works, and I understand how it’s when another person seems to be and critiques your formation. I can perceive that, however it’s so apparent.
“In the event you’re struggling, it’s a must to put three in midfield and provides your self an opportunity to compete.”