“I’m really impressed with his game yesterday… he showed me he still has A LOT to offer this team. If only I had known, I would have started him against West Ham.”
Those were the eye-opening words from Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim after their 4–1 demolition of Wolves — and the confession that immediately sent shockwaves through the United fanbase.
Amorim, who has spent weeks under scrutiny for his starting lineups and strange rotations, finally admitted what many supporters have been shouting from the stands and screaming across social media: one particular Manchester United player has been unfairly overlooked… and after last night’s performance, the manager knows he can no longer ignore him.
The player — who came into the Wolves clash with pressure on his shoulders and a point to prove — delivered the kind of performance that forces a manager to rethink his entire team structure. He moved with confidence, demanded the ball, created passing lanes, and revitalised an attack that had been lifeless just days earlier against West Ham. His involvement brought calmness, direction and intensity that United had been missing.
Amorim was visibly emotional as he admitted he underestimated just how much influence this player still possesses. He revealed that he had doubts about starting him, believing he needed rest or perhaps wasn’t physically ready. But last night’s display threw that hesitation straight into the bin.
“He controlled the midfield, he moved the ball quickly, he connected the attack… everything changed when he stepped on the pitch,” Amorim reportedly told staff after the match. “That’s the leadership, the quality, the energy we’ve been crying out for.”
United looked like a different team with him orchestrating every movement. Wolves couldn’t get near him. His composure under pressure reminded fans of his best days. His passing choices opened Wolves like a broken lock. And his determination showed a player fighting for his reputation — and maybe even his Manchester United future.
Amorim’s admission, “If only I had known, I would’ve started him against West Ham,” is the clearest sign yet that this performance wasn’t just good — it was transformational. This was a statement game, a performance that alters pecking orders, changes rotation plans and reshapes the manager’s trust list.
United fans have already flooded the internet calling him “the forgotten general,” “the spark we’ve been missing,” and “the player who proved everyone wrong.” Many even demanded that Amorim stop rotating him out of the lineup and let him take control of the midfield consistently.
After last night, the message is simple:
He’s back.
He’s hungry.
And he’s just reminded Ruben Amorim — and the entire Premier League — that he still has plenty left to give.
The one player who impressed the manager the most has now forced his way back into the conversation… and judging by Amorim’s words, he might have just earned his spot in the next starting XI.
