Wayne Rooney has hailed the “creativity and work-rate” of one first-team Manchester United star under Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim took charge of Manchester United last November after he left Portuguese outfit Sporting CP and arrived in the Old Trafford hot seat.
The 40-year-old United manager replaced Erik ten Hag as Red Devils head coach after his predecessor was axed by the Premier League club.
Erik ten Hag’s sacking at United last October led to Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was assistant manager under the Dutchman, temporarily taking over at Old Trafford.
United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw a four-match run as Red Devils interim manager before he left Old Trafford ahead of Amorim’s arrival at the club.
Amorim, who is the sixth permanent United manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, has overseen both the high and low points early into his Old Trafford reign.
The former Sporting CP boss has faced an uphill task amid United’s poor 2024-25 Premier League campaign, with the Red Devils 14th in the league table.
Wayne Rooney sends message to Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd players over Amad Diallo
A shining light for Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been Amad Diallo, who has excelled for the Red Devils since his breakthrough into the first team.
Erik ten Hag’s dismissal from United in 2024 paved the way for Amad Diallo to establish himself as a key player for Amorim at Old Trafford.
Amad has impressed with his consistency and has shown his versatility in Amorim’s tactical system at United, including playing as a No 10 and as a wing-back.
However, Amorim has been dealt a major blow after it was reported that Amad is set to miss the remainder of United’s season after damaging his ankle ligaments.
Amad, who arrived at Old Trafford from Serie A outfit Atalanta in 2021, was loaned out to Scottish side Rangers in 2022 before later going out on loan at Sunderland.
Wayne Rooney was head coach of Derby County in 2022 and the United legend admitted that he came close to signing the 22-year-old Ivorian winger.
“I think he’s been great,” he told MUTV, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“I tried to sign him for Derby, when I was at Derby, on loan. I thought I had him, really. I think it was the next day, he went to Rangers out of the blue.
“He has been fantastic, with the goals he’s scored, [his] creativity and work-rate.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air and, of course, we’d like a few more players to step up.”
What Wayne Rooney has made of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Man Utd so far
Speaking on Amorim, Rooney insisted that he is a big fan of the United manager’s style and approach and says his main priority is “getting through this season now.”
“It’s been a difficult season, there’s no denying that, all season,” he continued.
“But the new manager has come in and I really like him. The way he handles himself and speaks with the media, he’s been really good.
“It’s probably more about getting through this season now and, hopefully, starting to implement his style more and getting players in to move the club forward.”
United return to action against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off slated for 7pm UK time.
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