Wayne Rooney has admitted that seeing Manchester United fans’ reaction to Manchester City’s third goal on Sunday afternoon was tough to watch.
Manchester United fell to a third league defeat of the season as Manchester City swept past Rúben Amorim’s team with a 3-0 win at the Etihad.
The derby began with early sights of goal for Benjamin Šeško and Erling Haaland, but both sides looked unsettled in the opening exchanges. City took control when Phil Foden fired in the opener just before the 20-minute mark.
United pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t find a way through before the break. Amorim’s men started the second half with intent, only for Haaland to double City’s lead and then strike again soon after to make it three.
Late opportunities fell to Bryan Mbeumo and Casemiro, yet neither managed to convert, leaving the hosts to celebrate a dominant victory in the Manchester rain.
Rooney could not believe fans leaving
While United started both halves with a spring in their step, it was not long before the Reds collapsed under the power of Haaland’s finishing. After the Norwegian international had bagged a brace, United’s fans were seen to be walking out of the away end, well before full-time.
Speaking after Sunday’s defeat on The Wayne Rooney show, United legend Wayne Rooney admitted he found the image of United’s fans leaving the ground a tough watch, and struggled to find the words to explain it.
“To sit here and say we’re seeing a progression or that we’re seeing things which will get results in the near future, we’re just not seeing any of that, and it’s very difficult,” the 39-year-old admitted.
“There was an image of Man United fans leaving, I’ve never seen that in my time. You could hear the fans singing Amorim’s name, but I think that is so powerful that the Man United fans were leaving the game because they were disappointed at what they had seen. It’s hard to see how it continues.”
He added, “It’s hard and very difficult. It’s tough to watch and see. I will try to defend it to a certain point, but I’m struggling to find the words at the minute.”
Amorim is losing a very loyal fanbase
Amorim has always explained that he has found the unwavering support of United’s fans an incredible quality of those at Old Trafford. Still, it feels as if even their patience is wearing thin.
Having won just one of his opening four Premier League ties this season, United have four points on the board, which is their worst start to a league season since 1992/93—a damning statistic.
If those who travel home and away each week to watch United play are walking out of a Manchester derby well before full time, this is a major, major red flag to all those involved at the club.
Amorim has an increasingly short length of rope left at the club amid poor results and lacklustre performances. Unless he makes major changes in the coming week or so, his time at Old Trafford could be entering its final hour.
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