Wayne Rooney, the legendary forward and Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, has voiced deep concern over the current state of the club, admitting he has no confidence in manager Ruben Amorim’s ability to lead a turnaround. In a brutally honest assessment, Rooney said United has “lost its soul” and no longer resembles the powerhouse he once represented.
Rooney Doubts Amorim’s Leadership Amid United’s Struggles
Manchester United’s turbulent season hit another low point with a 3-1 defeat to Brentford, leaving the club sitting 14th in the Premier League table. Amorim, who took the reins last season, has amassed just 34 points in 33 league matches and has yet to string together back-to-back wins. Despite a summer spending spree that brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, results have continued to disappoint.
Rooney, now 39 and a former manager himself, expressed his sympathy for Amorim but questioned whether the Portuguese coach has what it takes to reverse the club’s fortunes.
“Ruben is my age, he’s young and surely has a bright future,” Rooney said on his BBC podcast. “But this situation at Manchester United—it’s just not him. It’s not the United I know, and honestly, I don’t believe he can turn it around.”
A Club Unrecognizable to Its Former Icons
Having won five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his time at Old Trafford, Rooney lamented the loss of identity at the club. He said he now attends matches expecting disappointment, not victory—a stark contrast to the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I don’t see fight, I don’t see character, I don’t see any hunger to win,” Rooney added. “It’s painful to say, but I watch United now and expect them to lose or, at best, scrape a draw. The soul of the club is gone.”
More Than a Managerial Problem
Rooney emphasized that the blame doesn’t rest solely on Amorim’s shoulders. He criticized the players for lacking the pride and determination required to wear the iconic red shirt.
“This isn’t just about the manager. Some of these players don’t deserve to play for Manchester United. They’re not living up to what the badge represents,” Rooney said. “It needs a total reset—new energy, a fresh start, something to reignite the spirit of the club.”
A Culture in Decline
Beyond results on the pitch, Rooney raised alarms about deeper structural issues within the club. He spoke of job losses among long-serving staff and a deteriorating internal culture, something he’s witnessed firsthand through his children, who are currently in the club’s academy.
“I see people walking out, long-time staff members losing their jobs,” he revealed. “And I worry about my own kids in the academy. What’s happening at Manchester United isn’t just disappointing—it’s alarming. This isn’t the same club anymore.”
