Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has delivered a damning verdict on the Red Devils' trajectory under Ruben Amorim, insisting the team has regressed since the Portuguese coach took charge.
United's struggles deepened on Sunday (September 14) with a dismal 3-0 defeat away to Manchester City in the derby.
Phil Foden opened the scoring before Erling Haaland struck twice in the second half, prompting large sections of the traveling United support to head for the exits long before the final whistle.
It was the latest in a string of poor results for Amorim, following an embarrassing EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town.
United have scored just two goals from open play so far and have managed only four points from their first four league matches – their lowest tally at this stage since 1992-93 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Since Amorim's appointment, the Red Devils have collected just 31 points from 31 Premier League fixtures – the worst record in the division alongside Tottenham across that span.
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What solution has Rooney offered?
Speaking on BBC's The Wayne Rooney Show, the club’s all-time leading scorer admitted he is struggling to see any progress under Amorim.
“I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be on the manager and the players,” Rooney said.
“But it is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression, and at least we're seeing things that will get results in the near future.
“We're seeing none of that, and it is very difficult. There was an image towards the end of the game where I saw the Manchester United fans leaving.
“You could hear the fans singing Amorim's name, but I think that is so powerful that the United fans were leaving the game.”
Amorim's side finished 15th in the Premier League last season on just 42 points – their lowest top-flight finish since 1989-90.
“Quite a lot of league seasons, that's relegation form,” Rooney added. “What is important when you're trying to implement a new style is you win games as well while you're doing that.
Rooney also echoed concerns over Amorim's insistence on playing with two central midfielders against opponents who typically field three, suggesting that the “obvious” solution is to make that shift.
“I have had my time as a manager, and I know how it works, and I know how it is when someone else looks and critiques your formation. I can understand that, but it is so obvious.
“If you're struggling, you have to put three in midfield and give yourself a chance to compete.”
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