‘Soul Gone’ from Man Utd – Rooney Has ‘No Faith’ in Amorim
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s record goalscorer, has issued a scathing verdict on the club’s decline, declaring that the soul has gone from Old Trafford and that Rooney has no faith in Amorim to restore its former glory. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the former England captain described a club in crisis, where losses feel inevitable and the vibrant spirit of United’s golden era has faded. With United languishing in 14th in the Premier League, Rooney’s words resonate as a stark warning for a club he graced for 13 trophy-filled years.
Rooney’s Dismal Outlook on Manchester United
Rooney’s frustration is palpable as he admits attending matches expecting defeat. The 3-1 loss to Brentford on September 27, 2025, epitomized United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim, marking their eighth straight winless Premier League away game. Since Amorim’s arrival in November 2024, United have earned just 34 points from 33 games, a dismal tally that underscores their mid-table slide. Their last back-to-back league wins came between May and August 2024, a fleeting glimmer of hope.
“The culture of that football club has gone,” Rooney lamented. “I see staff losing jobs, people walking out.” He fears for his children in United’s academy, hoping the toxic atmosphere doesn’t hinder them. “What I’m seeing is not Manchester United,” he said, highlighting a profound disconnect from the club’s identity. For Rooney, who won five Premier League titles and scored 253 goals, the soul has gone, replaced by a sense of dread.
Why Rooney Has No Faith in Amorim
Rooney’s lack of faith in Amorim stems from the manager’s rigid 3-4-2-1 system, which struggles against the Premier League’s intensity. Despite Amorim’s success at Sporting Lisbon, his United tenure has faltered. Post-Brentford, Amorim dismissed job concerns, saying, “I’m never concerned about my job.” Yet, pundits like Micah Richards on Match of the Day criticized his tactical stubbornness, while Alan Shearer noted his luck in avoiding the sack. Rooney, a former manager himself, empathized with Amorim’s youth but remained skeptical. “He’s my age, a young manager with a big future,” Rooney said. “But honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”
Rooney sees deeper issues. “Players don’t deserve to wear the shirt,” he claimed, pointing to a lack of fight and character. Last season’s 15th-place finish, United’s worst since 1973-74, amplifies the crisis. “I go to games expecting us to lose,” he admitted, a damning reflection of a club adrift from its storied past.
Ownership and Structural Woes
Rooney’s critique targets the boardroom, where chaos reigns. The Glazer family’s majority ownership persists, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group, with a 27.7% stake since February 2024, oversees football operations. Staff cuts from 1,100 to 700 in two years have eroded morale. “It’s not just results,” Rooney said. “Everything needs fixing—Ratcliffe and Ineos face a real challenge.” The sacking of long-serving staff signals a deeper rot, with fans fearing the club’s collapse.
The Road Ahead for Manchester United
Amorim’s arrival promised renewal, but 33 games later, United’s fractured identity persists. Rooney’s call for sweeping changes—new manager, players, or structural overhaul—underscores the urgency. “Supporters are waiting for the club to crumble,” he warned. His lack of faith in Amorim reflects a broader despair, yet his words may spark action to restore United’s soul.
In conclusion, Rooney’s stark warning that the soul has gone from Manchester United, coupled with his lack of faith in Amorim, paints a grim picture. As United struggle, the question looms: Can anyone revive Old Trafford’s fire? Rooney’s plea for change is a rallying cry for a club desperate to reclaim its legacy.
