'A breaking point' – Manchester United icon touches upon Ruben Amorim’s current mental state

“It was difficult to watch, I did feel there were a lot of positives in the Arsenal game, first game of the season, and then Fulham was a disappointment in the performance and then to go to Grimsby and lose in the cup with a lot of the starting eleven involved in the game, the best players involved in the game. Just the way they lost, it was disheartening.”

“There’s something not right. I think that’s clear. I think the manager said that after the game and I think that’s clear for everyone to see that there’s something not right there.”

“Even though it’s only three games into the season it’s getting to a point where it’s like, what is going on?”

“That’s the biggest concern. The manager’s words after the game were damning on the players. If your manager comes out with those words there’s something broken.”

“I think we forget he’s 40, he’s a young manager. Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. There’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans, it’s completely different. There’s a pressure with Manchester United which he will never have felt before. When you’re not winning games that starts to get to you. It looks like this was a breaking point for him.”

Quote via: BBC Sport, and The Daily Mail.

The fans’ perspective

As a Manchester United supporter, Rooney’s words ring true. There seems to be a lack of clarity in what Amorim has done so far. The courage that was displayed in the first match against Arsenal, the same team seemed scattered in the next two matches. The defeat against Grimsby in particular has further deepened the question of whether the players are really ready to follow Amorim’s plans. This defeat was not just about the scoreline; it was also a blow to morale.

Amorim will now have to communicate openly with his players first. If there is a rift within the team, then his priority should be to heal it. Rooney rightly said that publicly blaming the players breaks trust. Amorim should instead pat the players on the back and take responsibility himself. This may reduce the external pressure a bit and send a message to the team that the manager stands with them.

The Portuguese manager may have to take a simpler path from a strategic point of view. If the current style is not yielding results, then perhaps the first thing to focus on is defensive strength. When the team’s confidence are shaken, stability is very important. If Amorim can find a system in which the players feel comfortable and can show their strengths, then the situation can be managed.

Manchester United desperately need a win right now, as a strong performance can change the whole picture. For Amorim, a win would be the magic tool that can revive morale and confidence. The role of the club management is also important. If they publicly support Amorim, the situation can be stabilised. At the same time, behind the scenes, they have to solve problems related to players and structure.

As fans, it is difficult to say how long Amorim will last, but if the club, manager and players stand united, this difficult time can pass. After all, Manchester United’s strength have always been their collective belief, and that is what is most important today. Meanwhile, in other news, Ligue 1 star rejects Manchester United switch; harbours Serie A dream