Manchester United look set for bigger problems as players are beginning to turn against manager Ruben Amorim following the humiliating 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
The Red Devils were picked apart by Pep Guardiola’s side as Phil Foden opened the scoring in the derby, followed by a brace from Erling Haaland to compound the misery of the United fans.
The ownership has confirmed they have “no plans” to remove the Portuguese manager from his position despite the worst league start in 33 years for United.
While Amorim may not be removed from his post anytime soon, his job seems to be getting harder as his players appear to be ‘losing faith’ in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Ruben Amorim is seemingly starting to lose his players confidence
| REUTERSThe players have been uncomfortable with the system since Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag last November, but the manager’s unwillingness to compromise and make changes to his system has left players disheartened.
Bruno Fernandes is believed to be extremely unhappy with being forced to play in a deeper midfield position.
United sources have said it is wrong to suggest Amorim has lost everyone within the dressing room and that he does still have support, but former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes that is not good enough and significant changes need to be made.
JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton blasted for 'unprofessional' driving as difficult Ferrari season continues
He said: “We just watched it a lot of the lads who played the game today, and I don't think anyone can understand and comprehend what is going on.
“We are all watching it, and we all struggled to give what we see how Man United play. What are the patterns? What are we seeing that might improve the team moving forward? We have all played the game at the highest level and it is very difficult to see that.
“Speaking to Rio [Ferdinand], we want to support the team and the manager the best we can, but we also have to be honest, as the fans are not fools.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Wayne Rooney is not happy with the state of his former club
|GETTY
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United Captain added: “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.
“I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be on the manager and the players, but it is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression – but not we're seeing none of that and it is very difficult.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the owners at United have poured £236million into Amorim during the summer transfer window, hoping to see a change from near relegation last season; however, Amorim has won just eight of his 31 Premier League games in charge of the Red Devils.
United also embarrassingly crashed out of the Carabao Cup to League Two side Grimsby Town before most Premier League sides had entered the cup.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Rooney believes he knows the issue with Amorim’s system, as he revealed: “The problem with this system is having two in midfield.
“One is Bruno, who is a fantastic player and scores so many great goals. He has been Man United's best player in the last couple of seasons, but you do want to see him further forward.
“If you're struggling, you have to put three in midfield and give yourself a chance to compete in there. They're getting overrun and overpowered in that midfield.
Wayne Rooney believes the biggest issue in the Manchester United system is Bruno Fernandes
|GETTY
“Unfortunately for United and the manager, it has not been too far off a year now, and it is less than one point a game. Quite a lot of league seasons that is relegation form.
“I will try to defend it to a certain point, but I am struggling to find the words to do that at the minute.”
United will be looking to bounce back when they face Chelsea on Saturday as Amorim looks to get his players back onside and their season on track.