The tension around Manchester United’s season has taken a new twist — this time, it’s the legends going toe-to-toe.
After Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville publicly questioned Ruben Amorim’s tactics, another United great, Michael Owen, has fired back, calling their comments “embarrassing.”
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation has divided opinion ever since he replaced Erik ten Hag last November.
While the Portuguese coach insists on sticking to his system — the same one that won him two league titles at Sporting CP — United’s form hasn’t matched the philosophy.
The Red Devils sit mid-table, and some fans have begun to lose patience.
But Owen isn’t having it. The former striker believes the criticism has gone too far, especially from ex-players who should know how tough managing United can be.
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What Michael Owen said?
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Speaking to casino.co.uk via the Daily Mail, Owen didn’t hold back. “They have changed the manager numerous times since Fergie left,” he said.
“Then they blamed the players, spent billions, blamed the board, the staff — and now it’s because they play with a back-three. It’s embarrassing if you’re going to say the main reason for the downturn is because they play a back-three.”
Owen argued that the club’s problems go far deeper than Amorim’s formation.
He even reminded fans of the poor performances under Ten Hag’s back-four setup, joking that “it was some of the most awful football I’ve ever seen from a Manchester United team.”
For Owen, Amorim deserves credit for standing firm and trying to impose his ideas rather than panicking under pressure.
“Some great teams have played with a back-three,” he added. “It’s not about the shape — it’s about how the players execute it.”
A test of belief and patience
Rooney and Neville’s criticism came after United’s sluggish start to the campaign, though both softened their stance following a much-needed win over Sunderland.
Amorim has also found support from another club legend, Wes Brown, who praised him for “sticking to his guns” and keeping the squad focused.
Amorim now faces a crucial test — an away clash against arch-rivals Liverpool after the international break. A win there, and the noise around his tactics could fade faster than a short corner gone wrong.
Until then, United fans might want to keep the popcorn ready. The real drama this season isn’t just on the pitch — it’s in the pundit seats.
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