Manchester United legend Roy Keane has delivered a scathing assessment of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, claiming the Portuguese manager has been "caught out" by the demands of the Premier League. Amorim, who arrived with high expectations after a successful spell with Sporting CP, has endured a rocky start to life in England, with United suffering a string of poor results and falling to an all-time low in the league standings.

Speaking in the aftermath of United’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, their 14th Premier League loss of the season, Keane pulled no punches. "I think the Premier League has caught this manager and his coaching staff out," he said. "Even his first game, that we covered, was down at Ipswich. Ipswich drew with them and probably could have won it near the end. I bet he was thinking, 'this is tough'." According to Keane, Amorim’s preparation did little to equip him for the brutal intensity and relentless pressure of English football.

Keane didn’t stop at the manager. He also criticized the United squad for their lack of fight, commitment, and organization. "There’s some players who can run, but they don’t want to run. That’s another worry," he said. United's defensive frailties were on full display once again, conceding soft goals and showing little resistance against a rampant Newcastle side.

This latest defeat ensures that Manchester United will finish the season with their lowest-ever points tally in Premier League history. Currently sitting 14th with just 38 points and only six games remaining, the maximum they can now reach is 56 points still two shy of their previous worst season in 2021–22. The figures paint a bleak picture for a club that once set the standard for excellence in English football.

Amorim, for his part, responded to the criticism with composure, focusing instead on the importance of learning from setbacks. "Losing matches is more painful than external criticism," he stated in his post-match interview. He urged his players and staff to remain focused on the upcoming Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, a tie that now carries even greater weight as United's domestic campaign falters.

While Amorim’s future remains uncertain, the pressure is undeniably mounting. Managing Manchester United is one of the most high-profile jobs in world football, and the expectations are unforgiving. For now, the Portuguese tactician must navigate the remainder of the season under the scrutiny of legends like Keane, the media, and a frustrated fan base hoping for signs of life from their beloved club.