An Exclusive Interview With René Meulensteen

The Dutchman worked for Man United for more than a decade over two spells, managing their youth team and reserves. He spoke exclusively to BestNewBingoSites on the 9th of December 2025.

 

Q: Man United have had a very up-and-down season so far. Why do you think that is?

RM: “I think they carried on from where they left off last season. At the beginning of this season, there were constant questions about the system and the way Ruben Amorim wants the team to play, especially as results were below par. But then they picked up that important away win against Liverpool, and everyone expected that to be the turning point, which it sort of has been.

“They’ve played eight games since that win and only lost once, with three draws and four wins. They’re definitely on the up as a team, and we can see that reflected in the table now as they sit in sixth place, within touching distance of the Champions League places. However, those games that they didn’t win could have all been wins, and we could be talking very differently about Man United now, potentially even as title contenders. Those four games were all winnable, especially the home loss to Everton when they had 10 men.

“Had those results fallen differently, Man United would have been top of the league, so I think it has been a decent season so far, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. You would expect United to win those games, and at times, it makes them appear inconsistent. They still concede preventable goals at times in games where they should be concentrating. But they have found a way to battle back in those games, stealing a point against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, so it’s swings and roundabouts, but they look much improved overall.”

Q: You have been quite critical of Ruben Amorim being too rigid in his 3-4-2-1 system. Are you any more convinced now that he’s getting it right and is the man to take United forward?

RM: “I think the formation does look better now, but at the end of the day, even if United go on a bad run of form, the formation will stay the same under Amorim – that has become clear over the past year. I’m not sure that it is the best formation to get the most out of the fantastic squad he has available to him, but Amorim seems to be getting good results over the past few months, so something is working. I think his job is safe for now, but if they go on another run of poor results, the rumours will be circling once again.”

Q: Do you think the players have lost faith in the manager and are unhappy playing in this formation?

RM: “I don’t think the players seem to have lost faith in the manager; they seem to battle for him when times are tough. When they go behind or teams equalise, they are still finding a way of grinding out results, which all good teams do. I don’t think they are unhappy with the formation, but if they are, they all seem to have accepted the fact that it is the only way they are going to be set up under Amorim, so they all seem to be just getting on with it.”

Q: How many games do you think Ruben Amorim has left to save his job at Manchester United?

RM: “I don’t think Amorim is actually under too much pressure at the moment. Of course, he would have loved to have beaten Everton and West Ham recently, but I think he still has some grace. Now, if United lose a few games in a row over the next weeks, then I think the pressure could be right back on him from the club and the fans.

“His job is safe for now, and United need to get a good set of results around Christmas and get themselves into the top four to take the pressure off both themselves and Amorim. They can’t be taking two steps forward and three steps backwards all season long; that’s not how you make progress as a team, and United need to make progress this season.

“They don’t have European football to worry about, and they only have one cup competition to play in. United must make forward strides this season and qualify for the Champions League.”

Q: Amorim offloaded Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in the summer after falling out with both players. At a club with such a history of promoting youngsters from the academy, does it concern you how he has handled Mainoo, Rashford and Garnacho?

RM: “The manager gets the final say in these situations, and the club dealt with both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in the summer in line with how Amorim felt about the players.

“Kobbie Mainoo played himself into the United team and the England set up by playing absolutely fantastic football for someone so young. He established himself in this team as a starter, and the club and United fans love to see a young player from the academy being successful in the first team. For whatever reason, Amorim doesn’t seem keen to play Kobbie, which frustrates the fans and myself as I think he is a really talented player.

“I think the reason his game time has been significantly reduced is due to the signings United made over the summer and the formation they play. Signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo meant that Bruno Fernandes has slotted back into a more defensive position, where we have seen Mainoo play in recent years.

“I can’t fathom why Mainoo and Bruno can’t play together, but maybe Amorim thinks they’re too similar. I would definitely like to see them play together. Kobbie is a top player with plenty of potential, but United are winning games at the moment, so he may have to wait it out for a while for a chance to start in this team again.”

Q: Would you like to coach this United squad? How would you set them up?

RM: “I would like to coach this United squad, as I think they have some very talented players that are currently being limited a little bit by the formation. Bruno is having to operate in a deeper role, which has its pros and cons, but being creative is where his skills lie, so the further up the pitch he can be the better in my eyes.

“If I were to coach the team, I would look to set them up in a 4-4-2 when they don’t have the ball, as this would allow them to keep their shape and press the opposition all the time no matter what formation they were playing. It’s a very effective defensive shape, and United is conceding too many goals at the moment.

“When they have the ball, this formation would allow players like Amad Diallo, Bruno, Mbeumo and Cunha to express themselves as they could play forward quickly in a free-flowing attacking formation. They are all brilliant players, and they are more than capable of interchanging positions while attacking. The wingers could come inside to support the strikers, and the fullbacks could go forward to create overloads and penetration in the wide areas.

“I’d have United much more rigid defensively and then as free-flowing as possible when they have the ball, as this would unlock all of their creativity and make them more unpredictable”

Q: Man United are going to lose both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to AFCON very soon. Might this mean United struggle to pick up results over the next month or so?

RM: “I believe Mbeumo and Diallo going to AFCON could have a huge effect on Man United, as they have both been brilliant down that right-hand side this season. Mbeumo especially has been a huge threat, and he got back on the scoresheet against Wolves, which was nice to see.

“Amad is a top player, and he isn’t being used in his strongest position at the moment at right-wing-back, but he is doing a good job and Amorim will be pleased with him. United will also lose Noussair Mazraoui, so I imagine their performances will dip in this period. There’s no straightforward replacement for Bryan Mbeumo in the right-wing position, but I suspect Amorim may play Bruno out on the right, and I hope that leaves a spot for Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of midfield.”

Q: Do you expect Kobbie Mainoo to leave on loan in January?

RM: “I think there’s a strong possibility that he leaves the club in January on loan. I think he tried to leave in the summer to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli, but the club blocked the move. Players want game time and Kobbie is no different from any other player; he wants to play as much as possible and improve his game, which he can’t do from the bench at Man United currently.

“United have no cup games to play really, and no European football, which means rotation is limited as the starting eleven gets a week-long rest in between almost every game. They’re also playing well at the moment, so there’s even more reason to keep the team consistent.

“Kobbie will be looking for a loan move in January, I’m sure. It’s a World Cup year, and he played a big part in England’s Euros campaign a couple of years ago. He’ll want to play plenty of football to have a chance at making the England squad next summer.”

Q: Do you expect United to make signings in January? Do they need them to compete for the top 4? What positions should be the priority?

RM: “I don’t think Man United will do any business in January, despite having a few players going to AFCON, I think the focus will be all on next summer. United have players like Lisandro Martínez and Benjamin Šeško returning from injury at the moment as well, which will feel like new signings once they are back up to speed with the squad.

“They have plenty of cover in all the positions they will be losing with AFCON players, so I would be surprised if they invested much money in January. They’ve been heavily linked with Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson over the last few months, but I think they would be summer signings. I don’t think either of their clubs would let them go in January.”

Q: Both Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton are targets for United this summer – which one should the club sign?

RM: “I’m a big fan of Wharton, I think he should be the number one priority for United next summer. He would be the perfect player to add to their squad, but I don’t think the move will be possible until next summer. He’s got great feet, and he is an effective and efficient player.

“He is always looking forward when he has the ball, which is a top-quality trait to have as a midfielder. He’s great in small spaces when he is being closed down quickly, and he always breaks the lines to find his unmarked teammates. His range of passing is second to none, and he has Premier League experience playing in the same formation that Amorim is playing at Man United. It’s an absolute no-brainer for United to sign Wharton next summer.”

Q: Having worked with Wayne Rooney as a player, do you think he will get another chance to test himself as a manager?

RM: “I really hope to, but being a football manager is ruthless in that sense. Being a football manager is all about getting results and if you aren’t getting results, you’ll be replaced; that’s just the nature of it. He’s managed a few clubs in England now and abroad as well, and I’m sure he would love to get another chance at managing.

“However, he seems to be doing well in the punditry world at the moment and that doesn’t surprise me one bit as he has played the game at such a high level, understands it and talks a lot of sense. So maybe that’s where he feels comfortable at the moment. If he gets the itch to manage again, I’m sure he’ll have options, but football management is a ruthless game.”

Q: What was it about Ronaldo’s attitude that made him so elite? Do you think this current United squad could take notes of his mentality? Do you think he still gets in playing up front in this current United team?

RM: “I think all players around the world could take more notice of Ronaldo and the standards he sets himself as an athlete and professional. He is the ultimate pro and the best version of himself at all times. Yes, the United players could learn something from his mentality, but all footballers could and that’s what makes him so unique.

“The ship has sailed for Ronaldo playing for Man United again, unfortunately, but he is an incredible specimen. Even at 40 years of age, you can see just how important he is for Portugal on international duty, so I’m sure he would still be a threat up front for United in this team. The Premier League is a tough league, but with some good service, I’m sure Ronaldo would score plenty of goals playing up front for United.”

Q: During your time coaching Man United’s first team, who was the worst trainer? Who showed up late or didn’t take practice as seriously as you would have liked, but then on a Saturday was just an elite player?

RM: “There wasn’t anybody who didn’t give their all at training under Sir Alex Ferguson, as he wouldn’t allow it, and they wouldn’t have lasted two minutes at the club. Fergie created an environment where everybody knew exactly what was expected of them, both at training and while on the pitch.

“There are always different types of players in the squad and some that love training and others that could take or leave it. But they never let it affect their effort in training. Carlos Tevez is a good example. He disliked training and just loved playing football. However, his effort never faltered in any of the training sessions; he gave his all every day just like everyone else.

“Nobody in Fergie’s squad ever had trouble with time-keeping or laziness in training; he just didn’t allow it, and it was one of the reasons why he had so much success at Man United.”

Q: Has Sir Jim Ratcliffe had a positive impact on United since coming to the club? It certainly doesn’t always seem that way on the pitch. What can he do to try to improve things around the club?

RM: “I don’t know what is going on behind the scenes, but it’s clear there have been lots of changes at the club recently. I do wish things were more transparent, but as long as the players and the staff at the club know what’s going on and understand it, then that’s what is important.

“Things are improving on the pitch at the moment, which is what the club has been lacking for a while, so that’s a positive sign and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made big improvements to Carrington, which were long overdue. So all of this combined should lead to United improving on the pitch and challenging for trophies at the end of every season, which is what everyone involved in the club wants and what the fans measure success on.”

Q: Your compatriot, Arne Slot, is having a tough time at Liverpool at the moment. Do you think the situation is being blown out of proportion, or are criticisms of him fair?

RM: “As a manager, when results are not going as expected, then there will always be criticism. Sometimes the criticism is fair, and sometimes it isn’t, but you have to deal with all kinds of adversity as a manager. Especially when you’re at such a big club like Liverpool and set standards very high in your first season in charge.

“Arne Slot will not have been expecting this season to derail as it has so far. The club and the fans will have been expecting a season similar to last year, especially with the signings they have made. It’s a tough situation, but the criticism is warranted, as everyone is looking at Liverpool and wondering what the hell is going on. A string of results like this is unheard of for Liverpool in the modern day, and Slot needs to ride out the storm.

“He’s an extremely intelligent man, and he will know that only positive results will dig him out of this hole. If he gets that string of results, the pressure will subside, I’m sure, but if not, it will only increase, and more rumours will circulate about his job.”

Q: Do you think Slot spent too much money in the summer? Tried to change too much in what was a winning team?

RM: “I don’t think you can blame the players that left or the players they bought and the money they spent. I just think that because if Liverpool were top of the league right now we would be calling Slot a genius and praising his recruitment. Sometimes signings take time to settle in, and that seems to be the case at Liverpool this season.

“The signings need blending in, and it’s easier to do this if you are getting results on the pitch in the meantime, which Liverpool aren’t doing at the moment. Florian Wirtz is a fantastic player, but he needs some time to find his feet. Alexander Isak came into the club in a messy way with no pre-season under his belt, which has been reflected in his performances.

“I think a club like Liverpool has to be on the front foot in transfer windows, which is exactly what they did. I think it’s inevitable that eventually they turn this form around and become a scary team once again. They will come good, and I think Slot can turn Liverpool around.”

Q: What would Sir Alex Ferguson do when his team went into a slump, like Liverpool have done?

RM: “I don’t think Fergie ever experienced anything quite as severe when it comes to results on the pitch as what Slot has over the past few months at Liverpool. However, if he had, he would be on the front foot in press conferences, relieving pressure off his players.

“He would be doing his best to block out the noise from anybody not in the United changing rooms, and then going back to basics on the field. Ensuring his team was well-organised and well-structured so that they became so hard to beat because he knew he had the talent in the team to score goals, the same way that Liverpool does now.

“In tough moments of form, United wouldn’t gift teams goals, they’d defend set pieces strongly and during training, he’d reinforce to the players that they were Man United players and they were there for a reason. He’d remind them of their quality, give them the confidence to lift themselves out of the slump, and then generally a string of good results would come our way.”

Q: Mohamed Salah gave an open and honest statement about his current situation after the game against Leeds United. What do you make of players giving statements like that in the media? How would Sir Alex have dealt with a player speaking out of turn against the club like that?

RM: “I was surprised by Mohamed Salah’s statement after the game against Leeds at the weekend. His ego came into play there, and I think he must be bruised, hurt or embarrassed to not be playing. He wanted to get his message out there, and he certainly did that, but I don’t think it will help any situation at Liverpool. Salah’s statement won’t help Liverpool’s results or help his own cause. He gave that statement for selfish reasons. He’s now put more pressure on the team and dressing room, which is the last thing Liverpool need right now.

“It’s never good when a player airs out their frustrations to the media like that; those kinds of conversations should remain in-house and out of the press. It brings further focus on Liverpool and Slot now, which is the last thing the club needs, and it’s a shame, as it has come from a player that Liverpool and their fans would consider a legend.

“He has been exceptional for Liverpool during his time there, and I don’t know why he would want to leave with a sour taste in his mouth, potentially as soon as January. You want your club legends to leave out of the front door with their head held high, celebrated by the fans. You don’t want them sneaking out the back door while creating further ripples into the current struggles of the club.”

Q: Jürgen Klopp has been heavily linked with the Real Madrid job. Could you see him fitting in at Madrid?

RM: “I think what Jürgen Klopp brings as a manager and a personality to a football club would suit lots of teams around the world, including Real Madrid. Madrid is a very special club, and it’s not easy to do a good job there. There is so much pressure on every game, but I think Klopp could excel there.

“It surprised me a little bit that Xabi Alonso can’t get anything going there, as I rate him highly as a manager. I really respect the job he did at Bayer Leverkusen. However, Jürgen Klopp is the type of household name you would expect linked with the Real Madrid job, and I could see him having success there despite the magnitude of the club.”

Q: Arsenal have had a brilliant start to the season. One of their biggest assets is being solid defensively, conceding very few goals. Does the way Arteta has coached his side defensively impress you? Does defence win Premier League titles?

RM: “I think Mikel Arteta has done a great job at Arsenal, and keeping them defensively solid is definitely a big part of it. But he has a great goalkeeper and five or six top-quality defenders, so they should be expected to keep clean sheets. Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba have been injured, and they have conceded a few goals lately, so they are a big miss for Arsenal.

“I think it’s crazy when I hear people talking about Arsenal winning the Premier League already when we aren’t even halfway through the season yet. Nobody wins the league in November or December. You can only put yourself in the best position to do so, which is what Arsenal have done, but they’ve had two poor results lately, drawing against Chelsea, who had ten men, and losing to Aston Villa away last weekend.

“Arsenal are in pole position to win the league, but I wouldn’t encourage them or their fans to get carried away just yet. We aren’t even halfway through the season yet, and they have teams breathing down their neck already.”

Q: Who do you expect to win the Premier League? Do you think Man City will be the closest challengers to Arsenal?

RM: “I think Man City are the strongest team to challenge Arsenal, but I can see this being a very close title race. Chelsea have looked good at times this season, but have faltered lately and even Villa after a terrible start are on a great run of form and find themselves third in the league.

“I really like Unai Emery as a manager, I think he has achieved some great things at Villa, and he will continue to do so this season. He’s done brilliant things with his squad. If Man United hadn’t thrown away games over the past few weeks, they’d be right up there alongside Arsenal, which demonstrates just how open the league is this season.

“It’s evident that all those teams up the top of the league are beatable as they have all lost games at one point or another this season; nobody is invincible. Man City have the experience of winning the league in their squad, and they won’t lie down easily to let Arsenal win it come May.”

Q: Which current Premier League players would you most like to coach if you were given the opportunity?

RM: “Given the opportunity, I would love to coach some of Man United’s players. I think they are so talented, and they just aren’t performing to their full potential at the moment for one reason or another.

“I would love to work with Mbeumo, Cunha and Diallo. They are all fantastic players, and I would also be really keen to work with Adam Wharton, that’s why I would love United to sign him. He would be the perfect link that United are missing between attack and defence, he would make them tick, and I would love to coach him.”

A big thank you to René Meulensteen for all of these really interesting insights! And while we’re on the subject of the Premier League, check out our free Premier League bingo cards for playing with friends or family as you watch!