Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has responded to heavy criticism, particularly from former club legends, by conceding that the team is “underachieving”. Amorim admitted that results “have not been good enough” and accepted that he himself is “not doing good enough” as manager. He noted that both he and the club “should have more points, especially this season”.
The Portuguese coach faces repeated questioning from pundits, including figures such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Wayne Rooney. Paul Scholes has been especially “fierce” in his criticism, publicly stating that Amorim is not “the right man” and fails to “get the club”.
In his defense, Amorim contends that his critics “don’t have all the information” about what is occurring behind the scenes at Old Trafford. He suggested that the former players, who were accustomed to “always winning” during their era, find it “hard for them to see their club in this situation”.
Amorim insists that the core problem fueling all complaints is the team’s inability to secure victories, claiming that “not winning is the issue”. He argued that if the team began winning more regularly, criticism regarding his tactics, such as the implementation of a back three, would cease. Since his appointment in November 2024, Amorim has won 14 of 42 Premier League games. Overall, he has won 23 and lost 20 of his 58 games in charge of United.
Criticism has also focused on Amorim’s limited use of academy midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old has yet to start a Premier League match this season and is reportedly interested in pursuing a loan move next month. Amorim addressed this situation by stressing that he wants his players to be “happy,” and stated he would be “really pleased” if Mainoo approached him for a discussion.
Manchester United is scheduled to play Bournemouth in their next Premier League fixture, aiming for a victory that could temporarily secure them a top-six spot for a second consecutive week.