Man United news: Ruben Amorim gets 'joke' verdict as forgotten star sends message

Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Ruben Amorim's side now having lost three of their opening six top-flight matches

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim's 3-1 defeat to Brentford was dubbed "a joke" by Usain Bolt, and exiled defender Tyrell Malacia also sent the Red Devils' head coach a telling message.

Amorim's side endured their third defeat of the current Premier League campaign on Saturday when they made the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium. Bees forward Igor Thiago netted a first-half brace before Benjamin Sesko reduced the deficit, and despite United being awarded a spot-kick on 76 minutes, Bruno Fernandes was unable to find the net.

Brentford claimed a third strike to confirm United's downfall deep into stoppage time, and during a disastrous opening period, one of the club's most prominent supporters, 100m and 200m world record holder Bolt, labelled the display a "joke."

Meanwhile, ostracised left-back Malacia has delivered a statement to his boss through his training efforts, and Rio Ferdinand has cautioned the head coach that one player needs to be restored to the first team.

Usain Bolt labels display a 'joke'

Brentford's opener on Saturday saw Harry Maguire keep striker Thiago onside before he found the net beyond Altay Bayindir after merely nine minutes. Fewer than 10 minutes later, and it was 2-0, the Brazilian claiming his second as United's keeper pushed a delivery into his path.

This catastrophic opening 20 minutes left some supporters furious, and even Bolt felt compelled to express his disappointment. He turned to social media and wrote on X: "This must be a joke."

Supporters in the comments section of this post shared similar frustrations, with one stating: "United are a joke. Have been for a decade." Another commented: "Even Bolt cannot believe how useless this club is."

Despite Sesko netting his maiden goal for the visitors to reduce the deficit, Amorim's team suffered another setback. The Portuguese manager has still not managed to secure back-to-back Premier League victories since taking charge of the Red Devils.

Tyrell Malacia sends message

Beyond the Brentford encounter, outcast Malacia has demonstrated to prospective clubs and Amorim that he remains match-ready. Missing out on a transfer this summer represented another setback for the Netherlands international, who has endured a challenging period in Manchester following his arrival under Erik ten Hag.

Despite joining as a potential first-choice full-back, Malacia has struggled for playing time. A knee problem in 2023 kept him out for more than 500 days, which certainly didn't aid his situation.

Potential switches to Spanish side Elche and Turkish clubs failed to materialise during the summer window, following his loan spell at PSV in the latter half of last campaign. Currently, Malacia finds himself marginalised, unsuited to Amorim's wing-back system.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old has signalled his readiness to return to action, sharing Instagram footage of himself training at Shawe View, the home of nearby non-league outfit Trafford FC. He has demonstrated to both Amorim and managers at clubs potentially interested in a January move that he is maintaining his fitness levels.

Rio Ferdinand makes Kobbie Mainoo demand

Kobbie Mainoo was brought on after 66 minutes against Brentford, and whilst he struggled to leave a significant mark, he has demonstrated flashes of potential in recent weeks. Amorim persists with Manuel Ugarte at the heart of his midfield setup in the suspended Casemiro's absence, though.

Red Devils legend Ferdinand believes the manager must do everything possible to secure Mainoo additional playing time. Speaking exclusively to the MEN as he fronts Talking Futures' new initiative Half Time Talks, Ferdinand said: "If he was agitating to get a loan now, if he is not playing in January, he will be agitating and knocking the door down even more to go and get game time.

"You have to have two hats in these situations. If you think about it, being a player again, you have got to be thinking about yourself in these situations. You are lucky to go to multiple tournaments in your career, you are lucky to go to just one tournament, so I understand that with my selfish, football player hat on, thinking about England and yourself.

"But, at the same time, if you are thinking long-term for Manchester United, I think Manchester United have to find a way of getting this kid in the team, he is a huge talent."

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