Premier League icon Emmanuel Petit has berated Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for his response to criticism of his struggles at Old Trafford. The Portuguese head coach has blamed the media coverage of his stubborn tactics for the pressure around the club, an excuse the French legend refuses to accept.
Amorim critisices media for Man Utd coverage
Manchester United's rut continues under Amorim, as they struggle to fully implement his three-at-the-back formation in the Premier League. After finishing in the bottom half of the table and missing out on Europe last season, the 2025-26 campaign has not provided much more success so far. As a result, pressure continues to grow around the former Sporting boss and his players, something he has picked up on and used as a reason for the team's struggles this term.
Speaking before the international break – which has Man Utd sitting 10th with just three wins from their opening seven games – Amorim let loose on the impact of the media inside the Red Devils' dressing room. He said: "It’s not the system. It’s the small details, the way we play the game. And I understand what people think, what would be this team in a different system? I don’t know. Maybe this team would win more games. But if we don’t change certain things, we are not going to win titles if we change for 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, and that is my point with the players. Not with you, I don’t want to change your mind, but my players, I guarantee you, they are listening to you, all that opinions, and they are putting that inside because we are not winning games. And they have to believe in me because I watch more games of Manchester than you guys combined."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportPetit slams 'nonsense' excuses
Petit had spells at both Arsenal and Chelsea during his playing days, and knows exactly what it takes to succeed in the Premier League. He won the Premier League and FA Cup with the Gunners, before heading to Barcelona and then back to England with the Blues. Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football betting odds, the Frenchman could not hold back his anger at the words coming out of Amorim's mouth.
He believes that managing a club like Man Utd will always come with pressure and criticism, and that is should never be used as an excuse. The ex-defender said: "That's the first time I've heard a manager use that as an excuse for the failure of his players. Don't be ridiculous. Ruben Amorim is talking absolute nonsense. Your players know what you're saying is absolute nonsense too. How can you say that when you manage for Manchester United? If you are not able to deal with critics when you manage or play for big clubs and are receiving so much money, then change clubs. Don't work with top clubs.
"I read that and thought, ‘Did he seriously say that?’ I've been a player for top clubs with huge expectations. When I was on the pitch, I never tried to find excuses. You just take your own responsibility, be a man. I know I've been very upset with critics, some of what they said was unfair most of the time, but you have to deal with it.
"The beauty of football is that you have your own destiny in your hands, which means you can be on the floor after one game and then be the hero of the next. You can change that situation. You have the power to change it, so just do it."
Take the blame and make the change
Petit also offered up a solution for the struggling Man Utd boss, suggesting he must stop listening to the outside noise, while admitting his methods may not be working and be brave enough to make the change. He added: "Stop focusing on what people are saying in videos from players on social media. Every single player and the manager, all together, should try to change the situation, the environment. There are so many people at Manchester United who are missing the character and personality to change it. Honestly, guys, if you can't do that, just be honest with yourself in the mirror. Say, ‘I'm not able to do that because I'm scared.’ This is it. So be honest and change."
Getty More tough times ahead for Man Utd?
Things do not get any easier for the Red Devils. This weekend, they return to action in the Premier League, where they face champions Liverpool at Anfield. Should United lose, they could find themselves nine points off the top spot. From a more positive perspective, the club are only four points adrift of the Champions League spots, suggesting their results have fared better than last season. Nonetheless, Amorim is continuing to struggle in the hot seat, and has the eagle eyes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS watching over him as the pressure reaches boiling point.
