Rooney Slams Manchester United's “Lost Soul” Under Amorim

“I Don't Recognize the Club,” Rooney's brutal verdict on Man United

Wayne Rooney slams Manchester United's current state, saying the club has “lost its soul” under Ruben Amorim's management. Rooney expresses his concerns about the team's culture and performance. Read more.

“I honestly hope he can turn it around and he does. But... after everything I've seen, honestly, I've got no faith in it...”

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have lost their soul under Ruben Amorim's management, and he doubts the Portuguese coach can turn things around. Amorim's tenure has seen United collect 34 points from 33 Premier League games, with no consecutive top-flight wins. Rooney expressed his concerns on his BBC podcast, stating, “I honestly hope he can turn it around, but after everything I've seen, I've got no faith in it.”

Rooney, United's all-time leading scorer, criticized the team's lack of character and desire to win. He said, “I don't see players fighting, I don't see desire to win. The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life.” Rooney also questioned the team's culture, citing staff redundancies and players not deserving to wear the United shirt.

The former England captain called for clarity from the club's owners, the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, on the team's direction. United have endured a tough season, finishing 15th in the Premier League last year and currently sitting 14th. Rooney's concerns reflect the mood around the club, with many questioning Amorim's tactics and the team's identity.

Manchester United had a dismal last season, finishing 15th in the Premier League, their worst league campaign in 51 years. Despite splurging on new signings like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko in the summer transfer window, the team continues to struggle, currently sitting in 14th spot after their latest defeat.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer, expressed his frustration and confusion with the team's performance. “I just don't know what's going on,” he admitted on his BBC podcast. Rooney's sentiments are echoed in his recent comments, where he stated that he attends games expecting the team to lose. The 39-year-old former player and manager has lost faith in current manager Ruben Amorim, describing the team as “broken” and in need of significant change.

“I have tried my hand in management and it didn't work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he's still a young manager and I'm sure he's got a massive future, but what's going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd.

“I honestly hope he can turn it around and he does. But... after everything I've seen, honestly, I've got no faith in it.”

Rooney, a five-time Premier League winner and Champions League winner with Manchester United, expressed his dismay, stating that he no longer recognizes the club in its current state.

“I don't see players fighting, I don't see character, I don't see desire to win. I go to a game watching... expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.

“The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kick-start that football club.

“What is going on, this is not all on the manager, by the way. Players, they're not deserving to wear that shirt and it hurts.”

You can see and feel Wayne Rooney's pain here... pic.twitter.com/0q02sX66Lv

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 29, 2025

The former United and England captain lamented that the culture that once defined the club, which thrived under Alex Ferguson's leadership for two decades, has disappeared.

“I see it on a daily basis,” he said. “I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.

“I've got two kids (in the academy) at that football club and I really hope this doesn't affect what they're doing. What I'm seeing at that football club is not Manchester United..”