Manchester United’s humiliating 3-0 defeat to Manchester City has sent tremors across the footballing landscape, but what truly dominated headlines came after the final whistle. Manager Ruben Amorim, who has already been under intense pressure due to recent poor results, addressed the loss in a manner that stunned supporters, pundits, and even his own squad.
For weeks, many United fans had pinned the blame squarely on Amorim’s shoulders. His tactical approach, questionable substitutions, and controversial team selections were the main targets of criticism as the club’s form continued to deteriorate. However, rather than shielding his players from scrutiny after the heavy derby loss, the Portuguese coach reportedly went in the opposite direction—issuing a startlingly blunt statement that quickly leaked into the public domain.
According to reports, Amorim was overheard saying: *“Don’t put this on me—it wasn’t my fault. I tried my best, but the reason we didn’t win is because of him. Everyone saw it. He’s too slow to react, and that’s what led to the first goal. In training and in matches, he’s sluggish with the ball, and it disgusts me.”*
The ruthlessness of those words has created a storm. Fans had expected their manager to shoulder responsibility after being dismantled by Pep Guardiola’s men, yet Amorim chose to single out one of his own players. His comments implied that the derby was lost not because of tactical failures, but because of an individual’s indecision and lack of urgency on the pitch.
The moment he referred to came just 14 minutes into the clash, when United’s defensive structure collapsed, handing Erling Haaland a simple finish. Replays revealed the danger began after a United player hesitated in possession on the left flank, allowing City to pounce with their trademark counterattack. Amorim has reportedly been frustrated for weeks that certain players are unable to adapt to his fast-paced, transitional system, and this incident was, in his view, the clearest example yet.
Still, the reaction among supporters and analysts has been deeply divided. On social media, some accuse Amorim of deflecting responsibility in order to protect his own reputation, while others suggest he simply voiced what many have quietly believed—that parts of United’s squad are not good enough to compete at the highest level.
Yet the fallout inside the dressing room could be even more damaging. Sources suggest several senior figures were angered by Amorim’s outburst, with younger players now fearful of being the next target of public blame. The club’s hierarchy, already under pressure, must now weigh up whether the manager’s hardline stance has fractured the unity of the squad just months into his reign.
The derby loss itself only highlighted the growing gulf between Manchester United and their rivals across town. But Amorim’s reaction has exposed a deeper issue: internal divisions that threaten to derail his tenure before it has truly begun. Whether he doubles down on his words or backtracks to restore harmony remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the crisis at Old Trafford is no longer just about results on the pitch. It has become a battle within the club itself.
