By James Goldman

Copyright metro

Ruben Amorim is under mounting pressure at Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Wayne Rooney has urged Ruben Amorim to consider picking Harry Maguire on a regular basis following Sunday’s defeat against Manchester City.

The under-fire United manager is under mounting pressure following Sunday’s chastening loss as City, inspired by Erling Haaland, ripped their rivals apart and cantered to a routine 3-0 win.

Despite promising signs in pre-season and an uplifting performance in defeat against Arsenal on the opening weekend, the Red Devils are now languishing in 14th place with just four points from four games.

United’s only win so far this season came courtesy of a 97th minute penalty against Burnley while they also suffered the ignominy of losing against League Two opposition in the Carabao Cup.

Despite showing no sign of ditching his preferred system that relies, in part, on a three-man defence, Amorim has struggled to find a regular place for Maguire.

Rooney believes the England international is fully deserving of a place in the current set-up and believes the former United captain’s leadership skills would be of huge value at such a testing time.

‘Harry should be starting,’ Rooney said. I heard Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink talking about it and how much England missed Harry Maguire at the Euros because he’s a leader.

Metro at the Match: Man City 3-0 Man Utd

Metro at the Match returns to bring you all the analysis from the biggest games of the season.
Here are our team’s key takeaways from Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United at the Etihad.
There were mistakes, but this was not an entirely abject performance from Manchester United and, as Bernardo Silva noted at half-time, they appear to have improved on last season. That has to be a good thing, but it may be a bleak realisation for Red Devils fans that even an improved United are still a long, long way behind a City not even at their peak. – Phil Haigh, sports reporter.
I just do not understand Amorim’s system. If you’re playing with wing-backs you have to use the width and it seems like he consistently instructs his centre-backs and goalkeeper to pass into the centre. It just makes no sense. – Alex Moneypenny

@metrosportuk
The Red Devils really don’t look in good shape 😬 Manchester City destroyed Manchester United in the first Manchester derby of the Premier League season, and it’s caused lots more questions for United manager Ruben Amorim. But City are starting to look more like title contenders after a tough couple of results. @diffknock @alexmoneypenny #manchesterunited #mancity #premierleague #amorim #metroatthematch
♬ original sound – Metro Sport – Metro Sport

Altay Bayindir needs replacing quickly. He looks suspect with the ball at his feet, left a lot of the goal gaping for Foden to head home the opener and does not inspire any confidence. Clearly not a top level goalkeeper, but is unproven new signing Senne Lammens the answer? – Phil Haigh, sports reporter.
I thought Jeremy Doku had a fantastic game, his feet, his close control is excellent. Drifting into pockets and getting two assists. – Alex Moneypenny
While Bayindir struggles to convince at one end, Gianluigi Donnarumma quickly made his presence felt at the other. The giant Italian may not have loads to do in an average Manchester City game, but will need to be alert when called upon. That’s what happened here, pulling off a stunning save from a Bryan Mbeumo volley in the second half. Another world class addition to the City squad. – Phil Haigh, sports reporter.

‘I’m sat there thinking how is he not playing with the three defenders who are playing.

‘He should be in there, there’s a lack of leadership.’

He added: ‘At the Etihad, you can lose that game but I didn’t see a tackle – even when I goes to 2-0, 3-0.

‘I didn’t see anyone say “do you know what, I’m not having this” and taking a yellow card or putting a tackle in,’ Rooney said.

‘That passion, that desire. It’s continuing and continuing. I want to be as positive and supportive and I can be on the manager and the players but it’s very difficult to sit here and say we’re seeing a progression, at least we’re seeing things that will get results in the near future.’