Report: Former Player Claims Manager Acted ‘Like He Was Trying to Get Sacked’ – Echoes Concerns Around Potential Man Utd Boss amorim
A former Tottenham Hotspur player has recounted a period where a manager’s behavior dramatically shifted, leading to the impression he was deliberately undermining his own position – a situation drawing parallels to current speculation surrounding prospective Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.The player, David Bentley, detailed a stark contrast between initial positive energy and a subsequent descent into seemingly self-sabotaging actions.
Bentley’s account, stemming from his time at Tottenham following the departures of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, centers on a manager who began implementing disruptive changes, such as evening training sessions, after a promising pre-season. “Then slowly, you see the wheels turn. Then he’s turning up as if he can’t be bothered,” Bentley saeid. “He started making us train in the evenings and he started doing random things. It was like he was trying to get sacked. You felt it.” this narrative surfaces as INEOS, the new minority shareholders at Manchester United, reportedly assess Amorim’s suitability for the managerial role, with questions arising about his commitment amid a challenging season at Sporting CP.
Bentley specifically recalled a strong start to the season, scoring goals in pre-season friendlies against Roma and Celtic. However, the failure to promptly replace key players like Keane and Berbatov, coupled with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy’s protracted transfer dealings, created a negative atmosphere. “Levy was dragging the deal out,how he does. So it caused a little bit (of sulking),” Bentley added. The situation, he explained, led to a significant downturn in team morale and performance.
The comparison to Amorim stems from reports suggesting the Portuguese manager may be frustrated with Sporting CP’s ownership and transfer policies,perhaps impacting his focus and long-term commitment to the club. While no direct link has been established, Bentley’s experience highlights the potential consequences when a manager appears disengaged or actively works against their own interests, a scenario INEOS will likely scrutinize as they evaluate their options for revitalizing Manchester United.
