Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted it is "very difficult" to defend manager Ruben Amorim after United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
United were comfortably second best at the Etihad Stadium, with Phil Foden scoring the opener before Erling Haaland netted twice to continue his incredible goal-scoring form.
Manchester United’s Worst Start Since 1992/93
The result leaves Amorim’s Manchester United with just four points from their opening four Premier League matches — the club’s worst start to a season since the 1992/93 campaign.
Since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim has managed only eight wins in 31 league games. United currently sit bottom of the special 17-team table made up of the Premier League’s ever-present clubs during his tenure.
Wayne Rooney’s Honest Assessment
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show after the Manchester derby, Rooney admitted he is struggling to defend United’s performances under Amorim.
“To sit here and say we're seeing a progression or that we're seeing things which will get results in the near future, we're just not seeing any of that and it's very difficult," Rooney said.
He continued by pointing out the frustration among supporters:
“There was an image of Man United fans leaving, I've never seen that in my time. You could hear the fans singing Amorim's name but I think that is so powerful that the Man United fans were leaving the game because they were disappointed at what they had seen. It's hard to see how it continues."
One win in four Premier League games for Ruben Amorim and Man United this season.
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 14, 2025
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“It Has Got Worse” Under Ruben Amorim
Rooney admitted he is running out of patience with the situation.
“It's hard and very difficult. It's tough to watch and see. I will try to defend it to a certain point but I'm struggling to find the words at the minute," he added.
The former United captain went on to compare Amorim’s reign with the previous manager’s:
"I think after the last year when Ten Hag got sacked and Ruben came in, we're hearing how they're going to play and it is going to change.
"I think if the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse."
