Wayne Rooney Takes Aim at Ruben Amorim's Manchester United Tenure
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the approach of former head coach Ruben Amorim towards the club's famed youth academy. Rooney's comments come in the wake of his son Kai making his Old Trafford debut for the under-18s side, highlighting a personal stake in the matter.
A Contrast in Philosophies at Old Trafford
Throughout Amorim's fourteen-month spell in charge at Manchester United, a significant debate emerged regarding his perceived neglect of the club's tradition of nurturing young, homegrown talent. Critics argued that the Portuguese coach failed to fully embrace this core aspect of United's heritage, often sidelining academy prospects in favour of established players.
This stood in stark contrast to the methods of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who built multiple successful teams around a backbone of youth products. The appointment of club icon Michael Carrick as interim boss has signalled a return to these principles, with Carrick demonstrating immediate enthusiasm for the youth set-up.
Carrick's Impact and Rooney's Personal Perspective
Michael Carrick's influence has been felt swiftly. He has been actively watching the under-21s and under-16s teams, a gesture that has resonated deeply with the families of young players. Rooney, whose sons Kai and Klay are both in United's youth ranks, noted this shift with approval. The former England captain joined Carrick in the directors' box to watch United's FA Youth Cup victory over Derby County, where Kai Rooney came off the bench.
"It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy," Rooney stated on his BBC podcast. "In the next few years, some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team, so it is important they have that interest."
Rooney's Vocal Criticism of Recent Years
Rooney did not hold back in his assessment of the recent past, directly linking his experience as a parent to his critique. "I have been quite vocal on this," he admitted. "It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven't seen that and it was a bit disappointing."
He emphasised the broader morale boost that a manager's presence provides, stating, "The lift it gives to the players and the players' parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run." This sentiment underscores a belief that Amorim's tenure represented a departure from United's identity, while Carrick's interim leadership is seen as a corrective step.
The focus now turns to whether this renewed emphasis on youth will translate into first-team opportunities, restoring a pathway that has defined Manchester United for generations.
