Gabriel Agbonlahor described Ruben Amorim as a man ‘not to be messed with’ in a warning for Manchester United’s under-performing stars.
Amorim confirmed he broke a TV in Old Trafford’s home dressing room as he vented his fury at the United squad following a 3-1 loss to Brighton on Sunday.
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The Red Devils boss’ tirade echoed an infamous trait of legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was renowned for his ‘hairdryer treatment’ where he would berate his players behind closed doors – famously even leaving David Beckham with a cut above his eye.
Amorim took his frustrations public as he labelled his side ‘the worst Manchester United team in history’ in the post-match press conference.
However, Amorim walked back the severity of his claim and insisted the staggering declaration came down to being ‘really nervous’ after he felt compelled to talk to the players following the match – something he does not usually do.
Despite the United boss’ destructive actions, he has received support from talkSPORT Breakfast host Alan Brazil and Aston Villa legend Agbonlahor.
When asked if Amorim was entitled to have a temper, former Man United striker Brazil responded: “Of course he is. Players now are all namby-pamby.
“You’re not allowed to say this, you’re not allowed to say that. Get the cups flying, get the boots flying.”
Agbonlahor added he was a big fan when it came to the difference in demeanour between Amorim and his predecessor Erik ten Hag.
“Ten Hag would get beat 5-0 and come out and say, ‘We were the better side at the start, we showed good intensity, we were unlucky’,” Agbonlahor said.
“At least he [Amorim] is a manager who is saying what he thinks. I love it, that’s what we want.”
Agbonlahor has a better insight than most into Amorim’s tendencies, given they did their coaching badges together in Belfast.
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The ex-Villa man previously described Amorim as ‘very focused’ when doing the course and almost seemed in a hurry to acquire his badges to begin managing.
But there was another side to the United boss that Agbonlahor noticed.
“He was a very angry guy though, not to be messed with,” Agbonlahor said.
“Those players better wake up, because there will be more than TVs broken.
“But isn’t that good to hear, though? Some of these players are pampered and you’ve got to say to them, ‘Unlucky, well done today.’
“No, it’s Manchester United. If he doesn’t give that aggressive attitude to the players, how are they going to improve?”
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Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford hasn’t led to a surge up the Premier League table United fans had hoped for.
After a promising start in which United won four of Amorim’s first seven games in charge across all competitions, the English giants have slumped to two wins in their last eight.
Only one of those wins, a 3-1 victory over last-placed Southampton, was achieved within 90 minutes as United squeezed past Arsenal in the FA Cup third round via penalty shootout.
Amorim will look to lead his side back to winning ways when they host Scottish side Rangers in the Europa League.
The United boss will be buoyed by the fact he has won both games in charge of the club in Europe having beaten Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen.
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