Rooney and Neville fear for Amorim’s job: ‘Utd worse’
Former Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville have publicly expressed serious concerns about the future of manager Ruben Amorim following a disappointing start to the 2025-26 season, highlighted by a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City and deteriorating team performances. The Portuguese coach, who took over last November, faces mounting pressure after overseeing a squad overhaul costing around £250 million, yet the club’s results and style of play show limited signs of improvement.
Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, now ten months in, has been marked by attempts to implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation, a system he previously found success with at Sporting Lisbon. Despite significant investment in attacking talent—including the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, and Benjamin Šeško—the team’s midfield balance under his leadership remains a key concern. Former captain Rooney pointed out that the side “has got worse” since Amorim’s arrival, citing their current position and form as regressing rather than progressing. Rooney highlighted the tactical challenge of having only two central midfielders, who struggle with stamina and spatial coverage, leaving United vulnerable in key areas. He argued that a stronger midfield presence is necessary for competitiveness.
Gary Neville echoed these sentiments, emphasizing doubts over the manager’s authority and the players’ belief in his methods amid poor results. The 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, which saw many away supporters leave early, symbolized a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Neville remarked on the urgency for winning results soon, warning that failure to deliver could imperil Amorim’s position. Both former players underscored the club’s historically low win rates under Amorim—a mere 36% in all competitions, with just 26% in the league, placing United among the lowest-performing Premier League sides since World War II.
The overhaul at United has also seen the departure of many former squad members labeled the ‘bomb squad,’ aiming to transition the team tactically and philosophically. Amorim has committed to his 3-4-3 setup but faces a delicate task bridging his vision with the existing squad composition and Premier League demands. The signing strategy has prioritized attacking reinforcements, but the midfield and defensive cohesion remain areas in flux.
For Manchester United, this phase is critical. The club’s ambition to return to the Premier League’s upper echelons hinges on resolving tactical imbalances and stabilizing performances. For Amorim, the pressure to produce consistent results and convince both the squad and supporters of his approach is intense. The next few months will be decisive in determining whether the Portuguese manager can adapt effectively and restore United’s competitive stature, or if the club will seek a change in direction following a troubled transition period.
In summary, the apprehensions voiced by Rooney and Neville highlight the precariousness of Amorim’s position amid a costly and ambitious rebuild. The outcome will shape both the trajectory of United’s strategic evolution and Amorim’s managerial career in England.