Wayne Rooney delivers scathing Ruben Amorim Man United verdict – ‘Never seen that’ reflects the growing discontent around Old Trafford. United’s defeat at the Etihad was comprehensive, with Phil Foden opening the scoring before Erling Haaland added two more. For Amorim, it marked another blow in a tenure already under intense scrutiny.
The result leaves United with just four points from their opening four Premier League games — their worst start since the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93. More alarmingly, since replacing Erik ten Hag last November, Amorim has managed only eight wins in 31 league matches.
Rooney, who knows the demands of Old Trafford better than most, admitted he can no longer defend the direction of the team under the Portuguese.
Rooney: “Very difficult to defend”
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the club’s all-time top scorer was blunt in his assessment:
“To sit here and say we’re seeing a progression or that we’re seeing things which will get results in the near future, we’re just not seeing any of that and it’s very difficult. There was an image of Man United fans leaving, I’ve never seen that in my time. You could hear the fans singing Amorim’s name but I think that is so powerful that the Man United fans were leaving the game because they were disappointed at what they had seen. It’s hard to see how it continues.” — Wayne Rooney
Rooney admitted he has tried to defend Amorim but finds it increasingly impossible to justify the performances or results.
“It’s hard and very difficult. It’s tough to watch and see. I will try to defend it to a certain point but I’m struggling to find the words at the minute. I think after the last year when Ten Hag got sacked and Ruben came in, we’re hearing how they’re going to play and it is going to change. I think if the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse.” — Wayne Rooney
Fans turning away
The sight of United supporters streaming out of the Etihad before full-time struck Rooney as a new low. United’s away following is famous for its loyalty, but this latest display suggested faith in Amorim’s project is waning fast.
Amorim has been steadfast in refusing to change his tactical philosophy, but results continue to undermine him. The loss to City leaves United in the bottom half of the table and adds further pressure ahead of a crucial home game against Chelsea.
Analyst verdict – by John William
Rooney’s words carry weight. He is not only United’s greatest goalscorer but also someone who understands the expectations at the club. His claim that performances have worsened under Amorim will resonate with supporters who see little evidence of progress.
The numbers back it up: just eight wins in 31 league games, the worst start to a Premier League season in more than three decades, and a style of play that fails to inspire. Unless results improve immediately, particularly against Chelsea, the “change the man” warning Amorim himself gave may soon become a reality.
Key insights
- Rooney says it is “very difficult” to defend Amorim after City defeat.
- United have 4 points from 4 games — their worst start since 1992/93.
- Amorim has won only 8 of his 31 league matches since arriving.
- Fans leaving the derby early was labelled unprecedented by Rooney.
- Chelsea at Old Trafford could be decisive for Amorim’s future.
What’s next for Manchester United?
With Chelsea visiting Old Trafford next, Amorim faces a defining fixture. Defeat would intensify calls for INEOS to make a managerial change, while a win could buy him breathing space.
The question is whether the players, fans, and hierarchy still believe in his philosophy. Rooney’s scathing verdict suggests that belief may already be fading.
👉 Is Rooney right — has Manchester United actually regressed under Ruben Amorim?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 15 Sep 2025 08:56
You lot will lose, but please dont change manager yet! For god sake, every time we play against United they somehow change managers and get some extra boost to perform well..
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