Arsenal man says Ruben Amorim is 'talking nonsense' in blistering rant at Old Trafford boss

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim shouts instructions from the Old Trafford sideline (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim ought to know by now how to deal with flak from the media after 11 months at the helm of Manchester United.

The Portuguese coach hasn't had it all his own way at Old Trafford but remains backed by the club's hierarchy, who appear reluctant to make a change in the dugout.

Face of the Man United ownership, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has cited the example set by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, of sticking by their man and trusting in the long-term project despite the club finding themselves in a difficult spot at present.

Ruben Amorim is 'talking nonsense' says serial winner and ex-Arsenal man

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is facing pressure to save his job at Old Trafford

Man United are backing Ruben Amorim despite the club's worst-ever Premier League finish last term, and a middling start to the new campaign (Image credit: Getty Images)

One former Arsenal midfielder isn't buying what Amorim has to say in his press conferences, though.

Emmanuel Petit is a Premier League champion, 1998 FIFA World Cup winner and 2000 European Championship victor, so knows a thing or two about how to get the right results on the pitch.

Emmanuel Petit

Emmanuel Petit scores in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final against Brazil (Image credit: Getty Images)

While the game has indisputably moved on in the past 25 years, Petit believes there are some evergreen principles Amorim is not upholding at Old Trafford.

"Don't be ridiculous. Ruben Amorim is talking absolute nonsense," Petit said, speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football betting odds. "Your players know what you're saying is absolute nonsense too.

"How can you [make excuses] 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've been a player for top clubs with huge expectations. When I was on the pitch, I never tried to find excuses.

Emmanuel Petit, Arsene Wenger

Emmanuel Petit alongside another serial winner, Arsene Wenger

"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 Frenchman added.

Petit was part of Arsenal's double-winning side in 1997/98 and followed up domestic success with World Cup victory on home turf that summer.

"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."

Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

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