Manchester United’s stunning defeat to Brentford has triggered outrage among supporters and prompted sharp words from one of the club’s all-time greats. Former captain and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney did not hold back in his criticism of manager Rúben Amorim, branding some of his decisions “baffling”—particularly those relating to the goalkeeper position. Rooney even went so far as to suggest he would be willing to step in if Amorim no longer had the hunger to continue in his role.
The fixture had been viewed as a chance for United to get their season back on track, but instead it only exposed deeper problems. Brentford’s aggressive pressing game and straightforward attacking approach caused chaos for the Red Devils, who looked shaky at the back and disjointed across the pitch. Defensive lapses and errors between the posts proved decisive in the outcome, with the goalkeeper’s mistakes becoming the main focus of post-match conversations. Rooney, visibly irritated during a fan-led football broadcast after the final whistle, wasted little time in questioning Amorim’s judgment.
The former United talisman criticized the manager’s persistence with his underperforming first-choice goalkeeper, when a younger backup—who had impressed throughout pre-season—remains without a Premier League appearance. Rooney’s words were blunt: “Why keep relying on someone who’s consistently making costly mistakes, when there’s fresh talent desperate to show what he can do? It feels like you’re inviting the sack. And if you’ve had enough of the job, I’ll take it.” His biting remarks echoed the frustration simmering among the United fanbase.
Though Rooney avoided naming the players directly, it was clear to everyone who he meant. Supporters quickly rallied behind his comments, flooding social media with hashtags such as #AmorimOut and #PlayTheYouth. The reaction underscored growing discontent with Amorim’s unwillingness to make bold, necessary changes. For many fans, Rooney had simply articulated what they had been feeling for weeks.
In response, Amorim stood firm in his post-match press conference. The Portuguese manager defended his team selection, insisting that both goalkeepers possess “great quality” and that he believed his choice had been the right one for the day. He accepted responsibility for the result, acknowledging that defeats naturally place managers under scrutiny. Yet, he dismissed any talk of walking away, maintaining that he remains committed to United and confident the team can turn things around.
Still, Rooney’s pointed suggestion that he could “take the job” has sparked speculation, especially given his legendary status at Old Trafford and his growing managerial résumé. While it remains uncertain whether the board would ever consider such a move, the remarks have only amplified the pressure on Amorim during a critical period.
With a challenging set of fixtures ahead, Amorim finds himself under the spotlight more than ever. Every decision—particularly concerning the goalkeeper—will be dissected by fans and pundits alike. For now, Rooney’s explosive comments have added yet another layer of drama to what is shaping up to be a turbulent and defining season for Manchester United.
