Ruben Amorim slammed for ‘talking nonsense’ by ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star

Ruben Amorim has been accused of ‘talking absolute nonsense’ with ‘ridiculous’ comments on criticism in the media, by former Arsenal and Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit.

The Manchester United manager has had a torrid time since taking the job last November, struggling for decent performances and results.

Pundits and commentators have criticised him and his team due to their consistently underwhelming displays under his management.

Earlier this month Amorim snapped back at his critics, suggesting his players are struggling to perform because they are being negatively impacted by the media.

What did Ruben Amorim say?

Speaking in a press conference before a 2-0 win over Sunderland last time out, Amorim said: ‘I understand when people think “what would this team be like in a different system?” Maybe this team would win more games. But if we don’t change certain things, we are not going to win titles, even if we change to 4-3-3 or 4-4-2.

‘That is my point with the players. I don’t want to change your mind, but my players, I guarantee you, they are listening to all the opinions and they are putting that inside because we are not winning games. They have to believe in me. So my biggest problem is that my players believe in you guys when you say the problem with our team is the system.

‘I get crazy about that, because we need to play the same way, with the same power, with the same intensity, with the same focus. If you do that, it doesn’t matter about the system.

‘There is no one in the world who can read everything and listen to everything about people who understand football and not be influenced by that.

‘So I try to listen and to see all the games because I know that I see the game more times than all those guys [pundits] together, because they have to see all the games in the Premier League and give an opinion.

‘My opinion is completely different because I see the games, I see training, I understand my players, I understand what I’m doing and I follow my job this way because it’s impossible to survive in this club, listening to all the things.’

Petit slams Amorim comments

‘Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football betting odds, Petit 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.

‘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.

‘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.’

The Frenchman extended his criticism to others at Old Trafford, saying: ‘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.’

Neville hammers ‘excuse menality’

‘I’ve not got a lot of time for that,’ the former Manchester United defender said on the Gary Neville podcast. ‘If pundits are getting in your head you shouldn’t be playing for the club, simple as that.

‘Do people not remember Alan Hansen criticising us as young kids, saying “you can’t win anything with kids?” That was the greatest centre back in that moment, the most successful centre back of all time at that moment talking of us as if we were inferior and nowhere near good enough. Do they not think we got criticised during our football careers?

‘I’m sorry, you’re playing for Manchester United, it comes with the territory. You’ve got to step up.’

He added: ‘I never blamed anyone else when we lost football matches. I played in a dressing room whereby when you lost football matches you came in and said, “sorry about that today lads, I was a mess for that goal”, there was accountability.

‘Why would you blame other people when you’re losing matches? That’s a pretty big problem in itself.

‘I’ve not got any time [for the suggestion pundits influence players]. Excuse mentality, shortcuts, blaming other people, it’s the worst thing you can do that in life.

‘They need to concentrate on doing their job and doing it well and win football matches. That’s the only thing that’s going to shut people up and that’s winning football matches and they’ve not won anywhere near enough football matches.’