Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim that the time for excuses is over, insisting results must come quickly if the club is to avoid another disastrous season.
United, who invested around £200million in new signings over the summer, have managed just one point from their opening two Premier League matches.
For Rooney, that sluggish start already raises alarm bells, especially after the club’s dismal 2024/25 campaign which ended with them languishing in 15th place.
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Although Amorim guided United to the Europa League final last season, their domestic form remained poor.
Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim that the time for excuses is over, insisting results must come quickly if the club is to avoid another disastrous season
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Since his arrival at Old Trafford in November, he has picked up only 28 points from 29 league games — a return Rooney says is simply not good enough for a club of United’s stature.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the club’s all-time leading scorer said the pressure will soon ramp up if results don’t improve.
“There’s no excuses now for the manager this season. He’s got to start getting results and getting them quickly,” Rooney explained.
“Once you start getting into October or November, if results don’t change drastically that’s when the pressure comes. They needed to hit the ground running this season and one point from six is a bit of a worry.”
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Asked whether he believed Amorim was the right man for the long term, Rooney was cautious.
He continued: “It’s difficult to sit here and say ‘Yeah 100 per cent’. I don’t think anyone could do that.
“I don’t think Ruben would probably say that himself with what we’ve seen since he’s been at the club.
"I think recruitment has been good in the summer – although I’d still like to see two or three more players.
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Man Utd took the lead against Fulham, with Leny Yoro heading them in front
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"But it’s difficult to say this is going to be our manager for the next five years based on what we’ve seen.”
Rooney stressed that with a full pre-season behind him and significant backing in the transfer market, Amorim now needs to show tangible progress.
Instead, the United legend feels too many familiar issues have already resurfaced in their early matches.
“I might be going too quick on this as United brings a lot more attention and we’re only two games into the season,” he said.
“But the worrying sign is we’re seeing things that we saw last season and that’s a concern.
"He’s had the pre-season and brought players in, you’d like to have seen a bit more and see the players understand their roles a bit better. There’s a lot to be worked on.”
Rooney also expressed frustration at Amorim’s constant tinkering with the side.
“Players are getting moved to different positions and you can’t get a settled run in the team,” he noted.
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Man Utd were pegged back by Fulham with Emile Smith-Rowe netting for the Cottagers to earn them a point
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“There’s a lot of ability in there – but the worry is even with three centre backs, it’s too easy for forwards to get on to them.
"At the start of a new season, you should be saying ‘last year is gone, let’s stick together’ but already we are starting to see gaps. That’s a big concern for me. Every corner you worry with the goalkeeper.”
United are attempting to bring in goalkeeper Senne Lammens before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
They'd also like another midfielder, though top target Carlos Baleba looks likely to stay at Brighton.