Rooney rubbishes Manchester United after Grimsby defeat

Rooney

Wayne Rooney believes Ruben Amorim’s remarks following Manchester United’s shock League Cup loss at Grimsby prove “something is broken” at the club.

United came from 2-0 down to force a penalty shoot-out on Wednesday, but then lost 12-11 in a penalty shoot-out as summer transfer window signing Bryan Mbeumo hit the crossbar with what proved to be the decisive kick.

A crestfallen Amorim, who had not watched the shoot-out but preferred to sit in the dugout, said afterwards: “I felt my players spoke really loudly today what they want.”

United ended last season a lowly 15th in the Premier League table, their worst finish since being relegated from England’s top-flight in 1974.

But there had been hopes that a full pre-season for Amorim, allied to some £200 million ($269 million) worth of new talent up front, would lead to a revival in United’s fortunes.

United, however, have started this season with a home loss to Arsenal, a draw away to Fulham, and a woeful defeat by fourth-tier Grimsby that has led to speculation about Portuguese boss Amorim’s position at Old Trafford just three games into the campaign.

Speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s record goal-scorer said: “Just the way they lost, it was disheartening. There’s something not right.

“I think that’s clear. I think the manager said that after the game, and I think that’s clear for everyone to see that there’s something not right there.

“So the issue now is we’re seeing very similar performances, similar results, and even though it’s only three games into the season, it’s getting to a point now where you’re like… what is going on?”

The former England striker added: “The biggest concern is the manager saying that, his words after the game were damning on the players and obviously being in a position where I’ve been in that dressing room, if your manager comes out with those words, there’s something broken.”