Wayne Rooney has questioned the state of affairs at Manchester United, insisting that manager Ruben Amorim’s comments after their shock League Cup exit to Grimsby suggest deep-rooted problems at the club.
United were knocked out on penalties by the League Two side on Wednesday, losing 12-11 in a marathon shootout after recovering from 2-0 down. New summer signing Bryan Mbeumo missed the decisive kick, striking the crossbar.
Amorim, visibly dejected and choosing not to watch the shootout from the touchline, later admitted: “I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.”
The defeat comes on the back of United’s worst league finish since 1974, a 15th-place end to last season despite heavy summer investment of around £200 million in attacking reinforcements. Hopes of a resurgence under Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last November, have quickly faded after a poor start that includes a home defeat to Arsenal, a draw at Fulham, and now a humiliating loss to Grimsby.
Speaking on BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s all-time leading scorer said the performance and Amorim’s post-match remarks raised major concerns.
“Just the way they lost, it was disheartening. There’s something not right. The manager said that after the game, and it’s clear for everyone to see. We’re seeing the same kind of performances and results. Even though it’s only three games in, you’re already asking: what is going on?”
Rooney, who played at Old Trafford for 13 years, described Amorim’s words as “damning” and suggested they reflected a breakdown within the squad.
“The biggest concern is the manager coming out with those comments. Having been in that dressing room, if your manager says that, it means something is broken.”
The former England captain also questioned whether the 40-year-old Portuguese coach is equipped to handle the unique pressures of United.
“I think we forget, he’s still a young manager. Manchester United is so different to Sporting Lisbon. Here you’re dealing with the media, the commercial side, the fans, the spotlight, it’s a different world entirely. The pressure is relentless and when you’re not winning, it can get to you. It looks like it’s already pushing him to breaking point.”
United face Burnley this weekend, with speculation mounting about Amorim’s future just three games into the new campaign.
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