United star breaks silence on why the squad actually revolted against Ruben Amorim and why they are suddenly “unbeatable” under Michael Carrick
The return of the so-called “United Way” did not arrive quietly. Michael Carrick’s three-match winning run has its roots in a period of internal chaos marked by anger, fractured relationships and a breakdown in trust at Carrington. Now, for the first time, a senior Manchester United player has lifted the lid on the internal revolt that ultimately brought Ruben Amorim’s short and turbulent reign to an end.
From the outside, Amorim’s dismissal in January was largely blamed on his uncompromising 3-4-3 system and a run of inconsistent results. Inside the dressing room, however, the problems ran much deeper and were far more personal. According to the unnamed veteran, tactics were never the real issue. The way the manager dealt with his players was.
The experienced star explained that while the squad could adapt to structural changes on the pitch, they struggled to accept the tone Amorim adopted behind closed doors. During a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last season, the Portuguese coach reportedly singled out senior figures in front of the group. One moment, in particular, left a lasting scar. The player was told he was “too old” to fit into Amorim’s vision, a comment that felt less like honest feedback and more like a rejection of his contribution to the club.
That exchange, which followed a draining loss on a huge stage, never truly faded. Instead, it quietly poisoned the atmosphere over the following months. A divide began to form between the manager and the established leaders in the squad, and by the time the new campaign arrived, the relationship was already beyond repair.
When Carrick stepped in midway through January, the shift was immediate. In the space of a few weeks, United have beaten Manchester City, edged Arsenal in a thriller, and comfortably dealt with Fulham. More than the results, players describe a sense of freedom and clarity that had been missing.
Training schedules were softened, with proper recovery built into the calendar. Tactical instructions became flexible, shaped around the strengths of individuals rather than forcing everyone into a single mould. Most importantly, the atmosphere changed. Trust replaced tension, and players once again felt valued rather than policed.
The transformation has shown on the pitch. The same veteran who had been written off under Amorim delivered a dominant display in the latest win and walked away with the Man of the Match award. There was an unmistakable edge of satisfaction as he reflected on the performance, suggesting that the burden he had been carrying was finally gone. Under Carrick, he said, the team plays with unity instead of fear, and with belief instead of resentment.
As Carrick openly signals his desire to remain in charge beyond the summer, the decision facing United’s hierarchy grows more complex. They can chase another high-profile appointment, or they can back the man who has restored harmony and reignited the squad’s hunger. Judging by the mood in the dressing room, the players already know which path they want the club to take.
