Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have “got worse” under Ruben Amorim after another dismal display in the Manchester derby. The former club captain and record goalscorer criticised United’s lack of progress since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November last year.
United suffered a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday, prompting fans to leave early in frustration. Rooney shared his honest view on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
“I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be on the manager and the players,” said Rooney. “But it is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression, and at least we’re seeing things that will get results in the near future. We’re seeing none of that, and it is very difficult.”
Rooney Points to Lack of Improvement
Rooney highlighted the frustration among supporters. “There was an image towards the end of the game where I saw the Manchester United fans leaving,” he said. “You could hear the fans singing Amorim’s name, but I think that is so powerful that the United fans were leaving the game.”
United finished 15th in the league last season with 42 points, their lowest since 1989–90. Since Amorim’s appointment, the club has spent £250m on signings but continues to struggle in his 3-4-3 system.
“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,” Rooney added. “I think if the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse.”
United’s Troubling Form Under Amorim
Manchester United have already crashed out of the Carabao Cup to League Two Grimsby. They have scored only two goals from open play and collected just four points from their first four league fixtures.
Amorim holds a 36% win rate across all competitions, the lowest of any permanent United manager since World War Two. His league record sits at 26%, with just 31 points from 31 games.
“Quite a lot of league seasons that is relegation form,” said Rooney. “What is important when you’re trying to implement a new style is you win games as well while you’re doing that.”
Rooney Criticises Amorim’s System
Rooney also questioned Amorim’s persistence with a 3-4-3 system that deploys only two central midfielders. “The problem with this [3-4-3] system is having two in [central] midfield,” he said. “The players have not got the energy and legs to cover the full width of the pitch and go up and down. They’re getting overrun and overpowered in that midfield.”
Rooney concluded, “If you’re struggling, you have to put three in midfield and give yourself a chance to compete.”
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