Ruben Amorim brutally put down and told Man Utd players know he's 'talking nonsense'

View 2 Images

Emmanuel Petit has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, accusing him of "talking absolute nonsense". The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star claimed Amorim has been making 'excuses' with his United side coming in for intense criticism this season.

Amorim had previously claimed that his players were being influenced by high-profile pundits' criticism of his system ahead of their match against Sunderland . His side's victory over the newly promoted side has quietened the noise around his future and United's struggles, but that hasn't stopped the Portuguese boss from absorbing criticism for the way he's handled the situation.

After Gary Neville dismissed Amorim's remark , Petit then delivered his own damning verdict and slammed the former Sporting CP boss.

Speaking to Boylesports, he 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."

He added: "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.

View 2 Images

"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."

Amorim had faced mounting pressure before United secured a vital 2-0 win over Sunderland ahead of the two-week international break. Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko were on target for the Red Devils as they climbed to tenth in the Premier League standings and eased the heat on Amorim.

Following the match, Amorim appeared thrilled and commended his squad for battling through to victory despite "not playing well during all the game".

He said: "Yeah, and a clean sheet is really important. We didn't play well during all the game, but we had our moments. But if you look at the performance, it was a team.

"Focus, defending well, trying to kill the game in the second half. So, I'm pleased with that, and now it's [time] to move forward to the next one." United are straight back into the thick of it and face an out-of-form Liverpool side at Anfield on Sunday in their first game back from the international break.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.