'Soul gone' from Man Utd - Rooney has 'no faith' in Amorim

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Wayne Rooney feels that Manchester United has lost its essence, expressing doubts about manager Ruben Amorim's ability to revive the club's fortunes.

Following United's 3-1 setback against Brentford on Saturday, they have garnered 34 points across 33 league games under Amorim, without securing back-to-back wins.

Reports indicate that the club continues to back their manager despite this heavy defeat, which left them sitting 14th in the Premier League standings.

Additionally, Rooney remarked that certain members of the current squad "should not be in the shirt," asserting that the team "needs revitalizing" as fans feel "the club is on the verge of collapsing."

"I haven’t noticed anything that instills confidence in me; I believe significant changes are necessary," stated the former England forward, who celebrated five league championships during his 13-year tenure at Old Trafford.

"Be it the manager, players, or whatever it takes. Anything that is required to restore Manchester United."

'A clear communication from ownership is essential'

Last season, United ranked 15th in the Premier League, marking their worst top-flight performance since their relegation from the old First Division in the 1973-74 season.

Amorim assumed control of United last November after guiding Sporting to consecutive Portuguese titles.

The loss against Brentford extended the Red Devils' winless streak to eight away league matches (two draws and six defeats), their longest such run since 2019.

Their last pair of consecutive league victories occurred between May and August 2024.

"There needs to be a clear communication from the owners," Rooney added.

"Whether from the Glazers or [minority owner] Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there must be clarity about the club's direction. Right now, we’re all just waiting for it to fall apart.

"The identity of that football club has faded. I witness it daily. I observe employees losing jobs and others resigning.

"I have two children in the academy at that club, and I sincerely hope this situation doesn't impact their progress. What I'm witnessing at that club is not Manchester United."

'Every aspect of the club requires improvement'

Following the disappointing loss at Brentford, Amorim stated: "I'm never worried about my position; that's not my nature."

The 40-year-old Portuguese has faced criticism for his insistence on using his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

During a discussion on BBC Match of the Day, former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards suggested that these tactics could lead to "his downfall," while Premier League all-time top scorer Alan Shearer mentioned that Amorim was lucky to remain in his job.

"I simply don't understand what is happening," acknowledged Rooney, 39, who previously managed Birmingham City, Derby County, and Plymouth Argyle.

I ventured into management, but it didn’t go particularly well for me, which I understand. Ruben Amorim is of the same age as I am; he is still an emerging manager with a bright future ahead of him. However, what’s happening at Manchester United is not representative of the true club.

"I genuinely wish he can make positive changes and I hope he does succeed. Yet, if you ask me, 'do you think he will?', after all I have witnessed, to be honest, I lack confidence in that prospect."

The ex-captain of England, who also led United, stated: "I hardly recognize the entire football organization. I don’t observe players battling; I don’t sense any character or the will to win.

"When I attend a match, I’m filled with an expectation of, here we go again - anticipating a loss for the team or possibly just securing a draw.

"It's not merely about the outcomes on the field. It’s everything related to the club that requires improvement - Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos face a significant challenge.

"We're noticing valuable long-term staff members being dismissed after decades of service who have been integral to the football club.

"The spirit of the club has vanished. It requires a revitalizing force and a fresh perspective. Something is needed to rejuvenate that football organization."

In February 2024, Ratcliffe's Ineos Group acquired a 27.7% share in United for approximately £1.25 billion (around $1.6 billion).

Over the last two years, the workforce has decreased from 1,100 to 700 following disputed layoffs.

The Glazer family, owners of the 20-time English top-flight champions since 2005, still hold the majority stake, but Ineos has taken over the football operations of the club.