Manchester United’s shock defeat to Brentford has stirred up anger among supporters and sparked harsh criticism from one of the club’s greatest icons. Wayne Rooney, the former captain and record goalscorer, openly blasted manager Rúben Amorim for what he described as “baffling” decisions, particularly in goal, and even hinted that he would step in if Amorim had lost the drive to continue.
The match was expected to be an opportunity for United to rediscover momentum, but instead, it exposed worrying flaws. Brentford’s relentless pressing and direct attacking football left United looking disorganized, with glaring mistakes at the back and between the posts proving decisive. The goalkeeper’s errors became the main talking point, and Rooney wasted no time in voicing his disapproval.
Speaking on a fan-driven football program after the game, Rooney was visibly frustrated. He questioned Amorim’s loyalty to his struggling first-choice goalkeeper instead of rewarding a younger backup who had impressed during pre-season but has yet to feature in the Premier League. “Why stick with someone who keeps letting the team down when you’ve got fresh talent eager to prove himself? It feels like you’re asking to be sacked. If you’re done with the job, I’ll take it,” Rooney remarked sharply, capturing the raw frustration felt by many fans.
Though Rooney didn’t name names, it was clear who he was referring to. Supporters quickly echoed his sentiment online, with hashtags like #AmorimOut and #PlayTheYouth dominating discussions within hours of the defeat. Many agreed that the manager’s reluctance to take bold decisions was costing the team dearly, and Rooney’s blunt comments seemed to give voice to their growing frustration.
Amorim, however, defended his choices during his post-match press conference. He insisted both goalkeepers are “very talented” and that he believed he had chosen the right option for the day. He acknowledged that pressure comes with poor results and stressed that, as manager, he shoulders responsibility. Still, he dismissed speculation about his job security, stating he remains committed to the club and confident things will improve.
Rooney’s suggestion that he could “take the job” may have been said in the heat of the moment, but it has fueled speculation nonetheless. His words carried weight not only because of his legendary status at Old Trafford but also because he has now built up managerial experience. Whether or not the club’s board would consider such a move is uncertain, but the remark intensified the scrutiny on Amorim at a crucial time.
United now enter a critical run of fixtures where every decision, especially in goal, will be under the microscope. With fans restless, legends speaking out, and pressure mounting, Amorim will need to show resilience and decisiveness to steer the team back on track. For the moment, Rooney’s fiery outburst has added fresh drama to an already turbulent season at Old Trafford.
