Rooney Reacts with Pressure Growing on Man Utd Manager | OneFootball

Rooney voices concern over Amorim’s Man Utd struggles

Early frustrations emerge at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney has expressed serious doubts over Manchester United’s sluggish start under Ruben Amorim. United’s 1–1 draw away at Fulham, following an opening defeat, has heightened scrutiny on the Portuguese manager. Two games into the season and with only a single point collected, Rooney believes the early signs are concerning.

Rooney acknowledged some bright moments in the opening exchanges at Craven Cottage but argued that United quickly lost control. After taking the lead, the side became passive, inviting pressure before conceding an equaliser. According to Rooney, Fulham looked more likely to win as the game wore on. “One point from six is not the start United needed,” he said, stressing that a strong opening to the season was crucial.

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Familiar problems under Amorim

Rooney is far from alone in questioning United’s direction. Commentators have highlighted similarities between last season’s failings and what is being seen again this term. The same errors are resurfacing: lapses in concentration, unsettled line-ups, and players appearing lethargic.

Amorim’s tendency to shift individuals across multiple positions has also been noted. Mason Mount, among others, has been deployed in varied roles, preventing the team from establishing rhythm. Rooney, speaking from experience, said such instability can frustrate players and is often reflected in their body language.

Perhaps most worrying is Amorim’s Premier League record. Since taking charge, he has faced current top-flight opponents 28 times, winning just four. That win rate of under 15 per cent has inevitably raised questions over whether he is the right long-term fit for Man Utd.

Rooney’s blueprint for improvement

When asked what he would prioritise, Rooney was unequivocal: United must first become hard to beat. He pointed to Tottenham Hotspur’s strong start under Thomas Frank as evidence of the value in mastering basics. Solid defending, pressing intelligently, and consistency in selection form the backbone of a competitive team.

Rooney also underlined the importance of pre-season. He argued that Amorim, having overseen his first full summer in charge with new recruits, has had ample opportunity to instil his methods. With that preparation complete, excuses no longer stand. If results do not improve quickly, Rooney suggested the pressure will become overwhelming by October and November.

Recruitment, patience and looming pressure

Not everything has been negative. Rooney praised elements of United’s summer recruitment, highlighting the potential of Šeško as a forward option. However, he questioned why the striker was not trusted to start, given the significant investment. Rooney expects Šeško will soon become first choice, but feels that easing him in risks stalling United’s progress.

Despite voicing optimism over the club’s transfer business, Rooney admitted it is difficult to say with confidence that Amorim is the right man to lead Man Utd forward. Supporters are understandably restless, wary of watching another campaign slip away in familiar fashion.

While it is still early in the season, Rooney’s verdict strikes a balance between patience and realism. The message is clear: results must come quickly. Man Utd cannot afford another period of drift, and the next two months could well define Amorim’s tenure.