Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer make same worrying observation about Man Utd under Ruben Amorim

Former Premier League stars Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have both stated they do not see any major improvement from Manchester United since Ruben Amorim took charge of the club.

Amorim was confirmed as United’s new head coach on November 1 with a contract running until the summer of 2027. He replaced Erik ten Hag at the helm as the Dutchman oversaw a disastrous start to the campaign. The former Ajax boss was under intense scrutiny at Old Trafford before winning the FA Cup last May to give himself a stay of execution. He was handed a new deal and heavily backed in the transfer market.

However, he would be sacked months later with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe later admitting that keeping him at the club beyond the end of last season was a mistake. Amorim arrived in Manchester with high pedigree after an impressive spell with Sporting CP in Portugal. He has found things tough since joining the Red Devils with the Europa League the club’s only chance of reaching the Champions League next season as they languish in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Shearer and Lineker reflect on Man United under Ruben Amorim

Speaking after Sunday’s drab 0-0 draw with rivals Manchester City, Shearer asked Lineker on latest edition of The Rest is Football podcast: “Do you see any improvement with Man United?” Lineker was quick to answer “no” with Shearer agreeing “I don’t either”

Lineker did go on to say he felt there had been slight improvement on the defensive side of things. United’s main problem continues to be a lack of goals. They did score seven in two games ahead of the international break as they beat Real Sociedad 4-1 and won 3-0 at Leicester City. Since the end of the international break, United have failed to score or even carry a genuine threat going forward in games against Nottingham Forest and Man City.

Their top scorer in the Premier League is Bruno Fernandes, who has eight goals with Amad Diallo on six. Both strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just three each. United are in the market for a striker with the likes of Liam Delap linked while they could add another attacking player to play in behind a number nine, Matheus Cunha could fit the mould in that regard amid links to an Old Trafford switch.

Richards disappointed by drab derby draw

Former Man City player Micah Richards was also on The Rest is Football and said of the draw in the Manchester derby: “Man City didn't exploit the width in the game. And then you think, OK, the first half is drab. The second half is going to open up a little bit. But the second half, bar 10 minutes maybe, was exactly the same.

“And I couldn't believe what I was watching. I'm going to go as far to say that's one of the dullest derbies I've ever watched. And that's from my time since I've been at Man City, from when I was 14 years old.

“They just had nothing, nothing at all. It was actually quite sad to see the game play out like that. And you're looking for a little bit of atmosphere. The United fans give us a little bit when United had a few of their moments. But in the main, it was disappointing to say the least.”