Football pundits Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney have openly expressed their deep concerns regarding the future of manager Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, following a challenging start to the new season. The club’s recent performances have sparked widespread debate about its direction under Amorim’s leadership.
Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to fierce rivals Manchester City, former United striker Wayne Rooney asserted that the club’s situation continues to deteriorate significantly. This latest loss marks Manchester United’s second defeat in the Premier League this season, leaving them languishing in 14th place in the table with just four points accumulated from four matches.
Adding to the growing pressure, the team suffered an embarrassing exit from the EFL Cup in August, having been defeated by Grimsby Town, a club from England’s fourth-tier League Two. These results have fueled apprehension among fans and former players alike.
Wayne Rooney, a legendary figure at Old Trafford, conveyed his profound sadness over the team’s ongoing struggles. He articulated his worries not only for Amorim’s long-term prospects but also for the overall state of the squad. The 39-year-old commented, “I genuinely want to offer my support and speak positively about the manager and the players. However, it’s incredibly difficult to sit here and claim that the team is showing signs of progress, or that we will achieve positive results in the immediate future.”
Rooney further highlighted a significant issue: “You might still hear fans chanting Amorim’s name, but I believe the biggest concern right now is seeing supporters leave the stadium before the final whistle. This is a truly disheartening sight. If the manager is truly honest with himself, he will recognise the severity of the situation.”
Gary Neville, another iconic former Manchester United player and a prominent Sky Sports football analyst, echoed Rooney’s sentiments. This agreement comes despite Amorim’s consistent assertions that the team is on the path to improvement. Neville pointed out the mounting pressure on the 40-year-old Portuguese manager, particularly concerning the team’s perceived ineffective 3-4-3 playing system. There is a palpable demand from the fanbase for a tactical overhaul.
Neville also voiced his apprehension about Amorim’s tenure in the upcoming weeks, especially with a demanding schedule ahead for the Red Devils, including a crucial fixture against a formidable Chelsea side scheduled for September 20.
Despite the external criticism and poor results, Manchester United’s hierarchy has recently reaffirmed its support for Amorim, expressing confidence in his ability to steer the club back to success. However, the former Sporting CP coach remained resolute during a recent press conference, firmly stating his intention to adhere to the 3-4-3 formation in forthcoming matches, irrespective of calls from supporters for a change.
In a definitive statement, the Portuguese manager even suggested that any change to the team’s tactical system would necessitate the club’s decision to remove him from his position and appoint a new coach if confidence in his methods were to wane.
