Manchester United's leadership has reaffirmed its confidence in head coach Ruben Amorim following the club's unexpected 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, a result that has intensified scrutiny of his tenure. Sources close to the club emphasize that the board is focused on long-term progress, avoiding hasty decisions despite recent setbacks. This stance mirrors their approach with former manager Erik ten Hag, who was sacked after a similar transfer investment in 2024.
The loss at Blundell Park marked United's first defeat to a fourth-tier team in over a decade, prompting Wayne Rooney to voice his concerns on the BBC podcast *The Wayne Rooney Show*. "There's something not right at the club," Rooney stated, criticizing the team's performance and suggesting a lack of focus against lower-league opposition. He pointed to Amorim's post-match remarks, where the Portuguese manager admitted his side "was completely lost," as indicative of deeper issues within the squad.
Amorim, who took charge in November 2023, faced questions about his future after the defeat, with some interpreting his subdued comments as a sign of internal turmoil. However, the club has maintained its support, citing the £200m summer spending on attacking players and ongoing negotiations for transfers involving Garnacho, Antony, and Hojlund to other clubs. Rooney acknowledged the immense pressure of the Old Trafford role, noting that Amorim, at 40, is navigating a unique challenge compared to his previous stints in Portugal. "You come in and there's the media, the fans, the commercial machine—it's a different beast," Rooney said.
Despite the defeat, Amorim avoided direct criticism of his players, instead urging the team to "focus on the next game." However, Rooney questioned the manager's remarks about players "speaking really loud what they want," suggesting potential complacency. Key players like Kobbie Mainoo and Andre Onana faced criticism for their performances, while the selection of Benjamin Sesko to take the final penalty in the shootout raised eyebrows, as the forward was dealing with cramp after his first competitive start since April.
With a crucial Manchester derby against City looming and high-profile fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool ahead, Amorim's ability to address these challenges will be under intense pressure. Rooney also expressed担忧 about the club's struggles deterring future managers, questioning who would want to take on the role amid such volatility. "It’s crazy to say, but you’ve got the biggest club in the world, and now it’s like… not now," he remarked, highlighting the stark contrast to United's past glory.
The club’s next steps remain uncertain, but for now, the board appears determined to give Amorim time to implement his vision, even as fan frustrations grow over inconsistent results and managerial instability.
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