Rooney says United have “got worse” under Amorim

Wayne Rooney has criticised Manchester United’s progress under head coach Ruben Amorim, claiming the team has regressed since the Portuguese manager replaced Erik ten Hag last November. 

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the club’s all-time leading scorer admitted it was “very difficult” to see any signs of improvement as United languish in 14th place in the Premier League.

Rooney’s comments followed Sunday’s 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, a result that left many United supporters walking out of the Etihad Stadium long before the final whistle. 

He noted that while fans were heard chanting Amorim’s name, their decision to leave spoke volumes about the disappointment surrounding the team’s performances.

United ended last season in 15th with just 42 points, their lowest return in the top flight since 1989-90. Despite spending around £250m on new signings and implementing Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system, many of the same problems remain. 

Rooney suggested the manager’s tactical approach, particularly the reliance on two central midfielders, was leaving the team overrun in key areas of the pitch.

Amorim’s win record has also come under scrutiny. With just 31 points from 31 league games since his appointment, United have matched Tottenham’s tally for the worst record among Premier League ever-presents during that period.

His overall win rate of 36% across competitions is the lowest of any permanent United manager since World War II.

Rooney echoed the concerns of other former players, pointing out that Amorim’s refusal to alter his system has made it difficult for the team to compete. 

“If you’re struggling, you have to put three in midfield and give yourself a chance,” he said, adding that United’s lack of energy in midfield was proving costly.

With only two goals from open play so far this season and an early Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby, pressure is mounting on Amorim. 

United face a critical run of fixtures, but with discontent growing among fans and pundits alike, questions are already being raised about whether the manager’s philosophy can deliver results at Old Trafford.