Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has launched a stinging critique of what he perceives as a damaging culture of 'entitlement' within the club, directly addressing the recent controversy surrounding young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
'Free Mainoo' Protest Sparks Managerial Ire
The situation escalated this week when Mainoo's half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, wore a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' T-shirt during United's dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday. The garment highlighted the 20-year-old England international's frustration over his lack of playing time this season.
While Amorim confirmed he would not punish Mainoo for a family member's actions, he used the incident as a springboard to address a wider issue at Old Trafford. He specifically urged Mainoo to ignore advice from club legends like Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt, who have suggested the player should leave in January to advance his career.
A Club-Wide Culture Clash
Amorim's comments extended beyond Mainoo, taking aim at a perceived attitude problem among the club's younger players. He referenced recent instances where academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi appeared to post subtle social media digs after the manager commented on their struggles.
'I think it is the feeling of entitlement that we have in our club,' stated Amorim. 'Sometimes strong words are not bad words. Sometimes difficult moments are not a bad thing for the kids. We don't need to always have accolades in everything.'
He expressed concern that players and the club itself were losing sight of the Manchester United identity. 'The players sometimes forget what it means to play for Manchester United. We as a club sometimes forget who we are,' he lamented.
A Call to Fight, Not Flee
The Portuguese coach issued a clear message to any disgruntled talent: prove your worth on the pitch. 'Nowadays they speak and go against the club because they feel entitlement, and then we have legends of the club say, "if you don't play, leave, because everyone is wrong". No. Let's stay, let's fight, let's overcome,' he asserted.
Amorim emphasised his open-door policy, criticising the choice to air grievances online rather than in person. 'The door to my office is open, nobody is coming to talk to me and that is the way we can solve things. So I think we need to change as a club.'
Looking ahead to Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, where Casemiro is suspended, Amorim confirmed the T-shirt protest would have no bearing on team selection. Mainoo will compete with Manuel Ugarte for the starting role purely on merit. 'He is going to play if he is the right player to play,' Amorim stated definitively.
