Emmanuel Petit has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, accusing him of talking ‘absolute nonsense’ after he suggested that pundits were influencing his players. In the run-up to their match against Sunderland, those comments sparked a wave of criticism with Gary Neville among those to dismiss his claims. Now, Petit has joined the chorus of disapproval, delivering a brutal assessment of the United manager’s remarks.
Speaking to Boylesports, Petit scoffed at Amorim’s excuse for his team’s underperformance, saying: “That’s the first time I’ve heard a manager use that as an excuse for the failure of his players. Don’t be ridiculous. Ruben Amorim is talking absolute nonsense. Your players know what you’re saying is absolute nonsense too.”
Petit continued his tirade, questioning how Amorim could make such claims while managing a club like Manchester United.
He said: “How can you say that 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.”
The former French international expressed disbelief at Amorim’s comments, adding: “I read that and thought: ‘Did he seriously say that?’
“I’ve been a player for top clubs with huge expectations. When I was on the pitch, I never tried to find excuses.”
Petit concluded by urging Amorim to take responsibility, stating: “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 beauty of football is that you have your own destiny in your hands, which means you can be on the floor after one game and then be the hero of the next. You can change that situation. You have the power to change it, so just do it.
“Stop focusing on what people are saying in videos from players on social media. Every single player and the manager, all together, should try to change the situation, the environment.
“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.”
Amorim had faced mounting pressure before United secured a vital 2-0 triumph over Sunderland ahead of the international break.
Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko struck for the Red Devils as they climbed to tenth in the Premier League standings. After the final whistle, Amorim appeared thrilled and commended his squad for battling through to victory.
He declared: “A clean sheet is really important. We didn’t play well during all the game, but we had our moments. But if you look at the performance, it was a team.
“Focus, defending well, trying to kill the game in the second half. So, I’m pleased with that, and now it’s [time] to move forward to the next one.”