He got Erik ten Hag sacked and he’ll get you sacked as well, he’s a ticking time bomb waiting to explode anytime soon, he ruined Erik ten Hag’s career and he would ruin yours too, keep starting him and you would find yourself out before the season ends.

He got Erik ten Hag sacked and he’ll get you sacked as well, he’s a ticking time bomb waiting to explode anytime soon, he ruined Erik ten Hag’s career and he would ruin yours too, keep starting him and you would find yourself out before the season ends. Those were the explosive words of Manchester United legend and current Fenerbahce coach José Mourinho, who has launched a fierce attack on Manchester United’s early-season struggles under new boss Rúben Amorim. Mourinho’s comments came in the aftermath of United’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford, a result that leaves the Red Devils still searching for their first win of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford after the final whistle was tense, with sections of the home support voicing their frustration over another lackluster performance. United looked sluggish for large spells of the match, lacking urgency in attack and showing worrying gaps in defense. For Mourinho, who knows the pressure cooker environment of Manchester United better than most, the warning signs are already clear. He directly called out specific individuals, insisting that Amorim cannot afford to repeat what he believes were the fatal errors of Erik ten Hag’s reign.

Mourinho’s strongest words were directed at Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, two players who have come under heavy criticism in recent years for inconsistency and lapses in concentration. “You keep starting them and you’ll end up exactly where Ten Hag did — on the street, without a job,” Mourinho reportedly told close sources after the game. He accused Shaw of being defensively unreliable and Dalot of lacking the mentality required to play at the very top level. According to Mourinho, these are the players who undermine managers, slowly draining confidence from the squad and supporters alike.

What raised eyebrows even further was Mourinho’s sharp questioning of Amorim’s decision to leave Kobbie Mainoo on the bench. The 20-year-old midfielder, hailed as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from United’s academy in years, has been widely tipped to play a central role in United’s rebuild. Instead, Amorim has opted for more experienced names in midfield, a move that Mourinho and many fans cannot comprehend. “How can you leave a talent like Mainoo sitting there while the midfield struggles to control games?” Mourinho asked rhetorically. “It’s decisions like these that will cost him.”

The comments have struck a chord with Manchester United fans, many of whom have been voicing similar concerns. Social media was awash with frustrated supporters agreeing with Mourinho, with one post reading: “Finally someone said it out loud!! GET THIS PLAYER OUT OF THE SQUAD before it’s too late!!” The sense of déjà vu is haunting Old Trafford, as the early weeks of Amorim’s reign already bear an uncomfortable resemblance to the decline that ended Ten Hag’s tenure.

From the boardroom’s perspective, Amorim was brought in to spark a fresh new era at Manchester United — a young, innovative coach who could deliver attractive football while also bringing back the winning mentality. But with two matches gone and no wins on the board, doubts are beginning to creep in. The Premier League is unforgiving, and Mourinho’s pointed remarks serve as a reminder that patience at the very top is often in short supply.

Mourinho himself is no stranger to controversy or strong opinions, but his words carry weight given his history with Manchester United. He has experienced first-hand the intense expectations from fans and the board, and he knows how quickly fortunes can turn when results aren’t going the club’s way. His comments are not just a critique of Amorim’s team selections, but a stern warning of the dangers that lie ahead if changes are not made quickly.

With tougher fixtures on the horizon, including clashes against top-six rivals, Amorim is already facing a defining period in his tenure. Should he stick with his current approach and risk continued frustration, or will he heed the advice of a former manager and take bold steps to shake up his team? The fans are restless, the critics are circling, and Mourinho’s words have only intensified the scrutiny.

One thing is certain: Manchester United’s season cannot afford to drift any further before it has even begun. Amorim must find solutions — and fast — or risk joining the long list of managers who came with great promise but left Old Trafford with regrets. For now, all eyes will be on the team sheet in United’s next fixture, as supporters wait to see whether Mourinho’s stinging criticism has struck a chord with the man in charge.

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