Owen Claims Amorim Left Them Better Than Ten Hag’s Horrible Reign
Michael Owen says Ruben Amorim improved Manchester United more than Ten Hag, despite his sacking. Progress seen but club still far from glory.
Michael Owen insists Ruben Amorim left Manchester United in better shape than the “horrible” football under his predecessor Erik ten Hag, despite the Portuguese coach’s sudden sacking this week.
The former United striker sees “the first signs of recovery” at Old Trafford, citing players like Mateus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes as reasons for cautious optimism.
Speaking to casino.org, Owen admitted Amorim’s tenure had its flaws but praised his honesty as a refreshing change from Ten Hag’s time.
"Under Erik ten Hag, I thought it was just atrocious. The football was awful. It hasn't been loads better under Amorim, but there are players now, the likes of (Matheus) Cunha, (Bryan) Mbeumo and (Bruno) Fernandes, who you think might be able to take you forward."
— Michael Owen
'I think it was probably worse about a year or two ago, to be honest. We're probably splitting hairs but I was struggling really to see any positives."
— Michael Owen
He also pointed to progress off the pitch, including investments in a new training ground and potential stadium plans, as signs the club is "a bit better" than it was a year or two ago. Still, United remain well short of challenging for major trophies.
Amorim was dismissed on Monday after a tense meeting with sporting director Jason Wilcox and harsh comments following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds.
Darren Fletcher now holds the reins as caretaker, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick leading the race to become interim boss until season’s end.
Owen warned that Amorim’s public criticism of the club's hierarchy sealed his fate, describing him as a “walking dead man” after turning against his employers.
'It happened quickly, but I wasn't surprised at all. I was a little bit surprised with what he said after the game, but I knew that there was trouble behind the scenes.
— Michael Owen referring to Ruben Amorim
