Rooney: Man Utd Have ‘Got Worse’ Under Amorim

Rooney: Manchester United Have ‘Got Worse’ Under Amorim

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have shown no signs of improvement under head coach Ruben Amorim, claiming the team has actually “got worse” since the Portuguese’s arrival.

The United legend made his scathing remarks on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, following United’s 3-0 Manchester derby defeat to rivals City.

“What Are the Patterns?” – Rooney Questions Progress

“It is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression,” Rooney said.

“We’re seeing none of that.”

Rooney highlighted the lack of identifiable tactical structure and recurring poor performances, suggesting Amorim’s project has stalled — or gone backwards.

The derby loss at the Etihad Stadium was United’s latest setback, with fans leaving early and audible discontent growing in the away end.

By the Numbers: Amorim’s Concerning Record

• 36% overall win rate under Amorim – lowest post-WWII for a permanent United manager

• 26% win rate in the league

• 31 points from 31 games since Amorim took charge

• Worst start to a season since 1992-93

• Only two open-play goals in the 2025-26 season

• Shocking Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby

Rooney didn’t hold back:

“If the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse.”

Rooney on Amorim’s System: “So Obvious It’s Failing”

A major focus of Rooney’s criticism was Amorim’s commitment to the 3-4-3 formation, particularly the use of only two central midfielders.

“The players don’t have the legs to cover the width of the pitch,” Rooney explained.

“They’re getting overrun and overpowered in that midfield.”

He urged Amorim to consider shifting to a three-man midfield to compete more effectively.

Rooney, who has managerial experience with Derby and D.C. United, empathised with Amorim’s position, but stressed the urgent need for adaptation.

“If you’re struggling, you have to put three in midfield and give yourself a chance to compete.”

From Ten Hag to Amorim: Different Name, Same Problems?

United finished 15th last season with just 42 points, their worst top-flight total since 1973-74. Despite a £250m overhaul of the squad under Amorim and the removal of the so-called ‘bomb squad’, results remain dismal.

With the lowest points return among Premier League ever-presents since Amorim’s tenure began (tied with Spurs), Rooney described the numbers as “relegation form.”

“When you implement a new style, you must win games at the same time.”

Fan Backlash and the Path Forward

Despite chants of Amorim’s name during matches, fans are increasingly frustrated. Rooney believes fan exits, not vocal support, were more telling during the City defeat.

Whether Amorim will adapt his rigid tactical approach or continue pushing forward with the same structure remains to be seen.