Ruben Amorim Fires Back at Man Utd Legends After Scathing Criticism
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the team's disappointing displays have warranted criticism, but cautioned outspoken former players that they lack insight into the current situation at Old Trafford.
Several high-profile ex-players have targeted Amorim in recent weeks. Paul Scholes suggested the current manager doesn't comprehend what United represents, while Wayne Rooney declared he has "no confidence" in Amorim's ability to reverse the club's fortunes. Roy Keane, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville have all questioned the Portuguese coach's methods.
These former stars hail from United's most triumphant eras—collectively holding 39 Premier League titles among those referenced—and Amorim conceded he understands why players with such cherished memories of the club would express doubts about a manager who has secured only 24 victories from his 58 matches in command.
"I believe it's understandable," Amorim stated. "I recognize it's true that as Manchester United's manager, I feel we are falling short. We deserve more points, particularly this campaign. So I accept that naturally.
"At times they lack complete context and they view Manchester United through the lens of excellence they experienced here, constantly victorious. So it's difficult for them to witness their club in this predicament."
Amorim: Performance at Core of All Criticism
Throughout his 13-month tenure, Amorim has encountered substantial criticism. His debatable 3-4-2-1 formation has sparked debate, while the latest point of contention involves his minimal deployment of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, the final remaining academy product in his roster.
Defending his approach, Amorim has previously maintained that these critics tend to fall silent when the team begins securing victories, and he reiterated that much of the criticism aimed at him across various issues would cease if performances improved.
"I believe not securing wins is the core problem," Amorim stated. "Naturally you can highlight numerous aspects and they identify many areas requiring improvement, but the fundamental issue is failing to win. If I were winning I could arrive at matches on horseback, show up there, deploy just two defenders and everything would be acceptable.
"The issue is that, as a manager, I'm not performing adequately and that's also reality and I can acknowledge that. So that's the sole problem. For them it's that Manchester United isn't winning and isn't positioned where it should be."
Amorim's hypothesis could face examination on Monday. The Red Devils host Bournemouth at Old Trafford seeking a win that could position them fifth by gameweek's end, while a tie would elevate the Red Devils past Liverpool into sixth place.