Relations between Manchester United's current players and the club's legendary former stars have reportedly reached breaking point, with a bitter rift opening over public criticism.
Pundits' Comments Leave Squad Fuming
According to a report from The Mail, members of Ruben Amorim's first-team squad are deeply angered by the constant analysis from ex-United icons turned broadcasters. High-profile pundits Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Roy Keane have been particularly vocal in their assessment of the team's inconsistent Premier League form.
An agent close to the United dressing room revealed the strength of feeling, stating the players feel the weight of the comments profoundly. "They see all the clips and it really p****s them off," the source said. "Their view is that these guys know what it’s like to feel the pressure of being a United player so they want some level of understanding from them but feel they don’t get it."
A Clash of Eras and Legacies
The tension underscores the stark contrast between United's glorious past and its present struggles. Neville, Scholes, and Keane were integral to 13 Premier League title wins, but the club's last championship was over a decade ago. Last season's bottom-half finish under Amorim was the worst in the club's Premier League history.
The report suggests the discord has escalated to the point where "battle lines" have been drawn. Some current players reportedly believe the criticism stems from a desire to protect the legacy of the 'Class of 92' rather than constructive analysis. "Some players think the Class of '92 actually don’t want them to succeed so their own legacy can be protected," the agent added.
The atmosphere is now so strained that players are said to be reluctant to be interviewed by their former heroes for television broadcasts.
Amorim's Focus on the Pitch
Amid the off-field noise, manager Ruben Amorim is attempting to build on signs of improvement this season. United currently sit eighth after 14 games, a modest recovery from last term's woes.
The Portuguese coach is now preparing his side for a Monday night fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers, warning against complacency. "Everything can happen, and that will change," Amorim told reporters. "There is no team in Premier League history that didn't win one game. So, it can be any game."
As the club works to bridge the gap on the pitch, this reported rift with its past icons presents a significant challenge to the unity and morale needed for a sustained revival at Old Trafford.
