Wayne Rooney has delivered a stinging rebuke to Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, suggesting the Portuguese coach is overplaying his hand after an explosive rant following the club's draw with Leeds United.
Amorim's explosive post-match comments
The tension at Old Trafford spilled into public view after Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Sunday. In a remarkable post-match press conference, boss Ruben Amorim launched into a defiant speech about his position, seemingly aimed at the club's hierarchy.
"I know that my name is not [Thomas] Tuchel, is not [Antonio] Conte, is not [Jose] Mourinho, but I'm the manager of Manchester United," Amorim stated. He emphasised he would not quit, declaring: "I'm going to be the manager of this team, not just the coach... That is going to finish in 18 months."
These comments followed earlier hints of discord. On Christmas Eve, Amorim had hinted at frustrations over transfer plans, saying he was "starting to understand" that having significant funds to implement his perfect system "is not going to happen."
Rooney's pointed response
Reacting on his own show, Manchester United's all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney was left baffled by the manager's tone and choice of words. "It's strange, interesting. I think his choice of words are decisive, confusing," Rooney commented.
The former England captain issued a stark warning about the reality of Amorim's standing, drawing a direct comparison with managerial elite. "You need to earn the right to be able to dictate exactly what happens at a football club, especially a football club like Manchester United," Rooney asserted.
He elaborated: "If [Pep] Guardiola comes into United for instance, I don't think anyone would question what players he wants to bring in, or the system... But he's not Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp - he hasn't got that history or that background, so I don't think he should be speaking with that authority."
Pressure mounts at Old Trafford
The public airing of grievances comes at a delicate time for the club. United are currently sixth in the Premier League, sitting three points outside the coveted top four positions after successive 1-1 draws against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds.
Rooney did express some sympathy for the manager's situation regarding the squad's depth, noting the reliance on young academy players on the bench. However, his overarching message was clear: results must improve quickly. "I don't think he'll have 18 more months if it carries on," Rooney warned bluntly.
The immediate focus now shifts to the pitch, with United set to face relegation-threatened Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night in a crucial Premier League fixture.
