Wayne Rooney responds to Ruben Amorim's call-out in Man Utd press conference

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has urged the current squad to keep faith in Ruben Amorim's tactics, despite the head coach claiming that punditry comments are influencing his players. Rooney had previously criticised Amorim's approach before their win over Sunderland, suggesting he'd 'lost faith' in the Portuguese coach's system.

The ex-England forward wasn't alone in his views, with fellow former players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt also expressing similar sentiments. In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Amorim voiced his concerns that the club legends' comments were beginning to seep into his team.

"I understand when people think 'what would this team be like in a different system?'" He stated. "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.

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"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 [pundits and journalists] when you say the problem of our team is the system." After Saturday afternoon's 2-0 triumph, Rooney was quizzed about his reaction to Amorim's press conference remarks.

"I'm sure they are," the striker responded on The Wayne Rooney Show when asked whether the squad were aware of his comments regarding Amorim's tactics. "I said when I made the comments, it's not something that I really wanted to do but I feel you have to tell the truth on it.

"Ruben Amorim himself has been critical about the players. It wasn't long ago he was telling us it was the worst Manchester United team in the history of the club.

"That's him being honest. If that's his thoughts, that's his thoughts.

"For the players, they have to keep focused on what they're doing. He's the manager, listen to what he's saying and tactically what he wants to try and win games.

"That's the only way it changes, unfortunately. I've been there as a player and been criticised as a player. You have to just try and focus on your job and win games. You're at Manchester United.

"It's still one of the biggest clubs in the world so you have to expect to be criticised when you don't win games or play well. On the flip side of that, the benefits of playing well and winning games are huge."

United now enter the international break with numerous current squad members travelling across the globe to feature for their nations. Upon their return, United face a daunting trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in one of the season's biggest clashes.

Arne Slot's side are feeling the heat after suffering three consecutive defeats across all competitions prior to the international break.

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