Manchester United have to weather another storm just to reach the next game, after a loss to Manchester City.
As you would expect after a derby defeat, the narratives around Manchester United are all negative this week. The 3-0 loss at The Etihad came after just one win from the opening three games, putting pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim.
The press reaction has been predictably unforgiving. From talk of potential Ruben Amorim replacements, to the Portuguese’s tactics being shredded apart by pundits, the next game can’t come quickly enough.
And then the most predictable situation. Dressing room leaks began to emerge…
Manchester United leaks
A report in The Mail reported Manchester United players are unhappy with Ruben Amorim’s system.
The report states: “It’s understood some players have never been comfortable with a 3-4-2-1 system that was introduced when Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag in mid-season last November.”
It added: “Even one of his staunchest allies, captain Bruno Fernandes, is believed to be unhappy operating in a deeper midfield role.”
Amorim fought to keep Bruno Fernandes in the summer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, and the Portugal international has always publicly backed the head coach.
Ineos furious with leaks
United In Focus understand that Ineos are ‘furious’ about Ruben Amorim being undermined by sources attributed to the dressing room.
Insider Graeme Bailey explains: “The one thing the club are furious about is the potential of leaks again, seeing stories about players and squad members not being convinced by Amorim or his tactics.
“The club thought they had really stamped this out, they see it as totally destructive to what they are trying to do.
“United firmly believe they are building something, but they won’t and can’t allow internal discontent to impact on the club as a whole.”
Former Manchester United bosses’ job security was undercut by dressing room leaks, which occurred prior to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag’s departure.
With the United leadership group still steadfast behind the man they appointed, they want a supportive environment around him and the players all pulling in the same direction.
United are only four league games into the 2025/26 season, having faced title contenders Arsenal and City in the opening games.
Manchester United firmly behind Ruben Amorim
Manchester United’s board are fully behind Ruben Amorim, which is why they are so unhappy at him being undermined in the press.
Bailey adds: “Man United are seen by some to have had an awful start to the season, but there is no panic at Old Trafford.
“The club believe in Ruben Amorim – their footballing chief Jason Wilcox has backed him, he is bringing in the players he wants, it still isn’t perfect but they believe they are making good progress.”
Ineos previously warned staff against leaking to the press, amid a round of redundancies at the club earlier this year.
They also led a battle against team news being leaked prior to kickoff, which the club appear to have got under control in recent months.
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