Wayne Rooney has delivered a stark assessment of Manchester United’s trajectory under Ruben Amorim, claiming the team has “got worse” since the Portuguese coach’s appointment nearly a year ago.
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag on 1 November last year, was brought in to restore stability and identity at Old Trafford. Instead, results and performances suggest regression rather than progress. United’s 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City at the weekend extended a worrying trend, with frustrated supporters leaving the away end long before full time.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, the club’s record goalscorer questioned whether there is any evidence of long-term improvement:
“I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be on the manager and the players. But it is very difficult to say we are seeing progression or signs that will lead to results. We’re seeing none of that. It’s hard to see how it continues.”
United finished 15th last season with just 42 points – their worst top-flight return since the 1973–74 relegation campaign. Despite a £250m spend on new signings and a clearout of unwanted players, Amorim has struggled to impose his 3-4-3 system with any consistency.
While the coach insists on maintaining the formation that brought him success at Sporting Lisbon, old weaknesses remain. Rooney noted:
“If the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse. After Ten Hag left, we were told how things would change, but the same problems are there.”
United’s form since Amorim’s arrival is alarming. His 36% win rate in all competitions is the lowest of any permanent United manager since World War Two, while his 26% league win rate highlights their domestic struggles.
Since his tenure began, United have collected just 31 points from 31 league games — joint-worst in the Premier League alongside Tottenham over that period.
This season has already included an early Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby and a meagre return of two goals from open play in the opening four league fixtures. Their four points from those matches mark the club’s poorest start since 1992–93 under Sir Alex Ferguson, though Ferguson at that point had already secured multiple trophies.
Rooney warned that such statistics amount to “relegation form.”
A key criticism from Rooney and other former players is Amorim’s insistence on using two central midfielders against teams who typically play three. The result has been United’s midfield repeatedly overrun in matches.
“The players haven’t got the energy and legs to cover the pitch in that system,” Rooney explained. “If you’re struggling, you have to put three in midfield and give yourself a chance to compete.”
While Rooney acknowledged the challenges of managerial scrutiny, he stressed that tactical pragmatism is vital in a results-driven environment.
With expectations high and patience wearing thin, Amorim faces the dual challenge of implementing his philosophy while delivering immediate results. Unless United show rapid improvement, questions over his long-term suitability will only intensify.
