Two of Manchester United's most promising academy talents have issued a pointed, if cryptic, response to public criticism from head coach Ruben Amorim via social media.
The Spark: Amorim's Surprising Academy Critique
On Friday, Amorim was challenged about his limited use of breakthrough star Kobbie Mainoo this season. In his defence, the manager pointed to other young players who had been given opportunities, suggesting they were not yet at the required standard. He specifically named left-back Harry Amass and striker Chido Obi.
"I don't know what is going to be the future (for Mainoo). Let's see after this match," Amorim stated. "Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido (Obi) is not always a starter in Under-21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!"
It was later clarified that the remark about Amass related more to his loan club Sheffield Wednesday's position – they are rock bottom of the Championship – rather than his personal form. However, the damage to the young players' pride appeared to be done.
The Response: Cryptic Posts and Swift Deletions
Both players, who lived together in digs last season, took to Instagram to make their feelings known in a subtle but unmistakable manner.
Harry Amass, 18, shared a photo of himself holding Sheffield Wednesday's Player of the Month award for November, captioning it with just a smiley face emoji. The post, a clear reference to his successful loan spell, was deleted within five minutes of being published on Monday.
Chido Obi, also 18 and currently sidelined with injury, followed a similar path. He posted an image of himself celebrating a goal for United's Under-21s, a not-so-subtle nod to Amorim's comment that he is "not always a starter" for Travis Binnion's side. This post was also removed minutes after going live.
Context Behind the Controversy
The situation has puzzled figures within United's academy setup, given both players were handed their first-team debuts by Amorim himself last season. Amass made seven appearances, including four Premier League starts, while Obi featured eight times, mostly from the bench.
Furthermore, the critique of Obi's playing time lacks context. The striker is actually the joint-top scorer for the Under-21s this season with five goals. His minutes are managed in rotation with fellow prospect Gabriele Biancheri, who also has five goals, as coach Binnion aims to give both fair opportunities in the number nine role.
Amorim's recent comments mark a shift in tone towards the club's famed youth system, which has historically been a cornerstone of United's identity. The public nature of his assessment, singling out individual teenagers, has been viewed as particularly surprising and harsh.
The representatives for Harry Amass did not respond to a request for comment from Daily Mail Sport on Monday afternoon. The episode highlights the delicate balance managers must strike when discussing young players' development in the public eye, and the modern player's willingness to push back, albeit quietly, on perceived slights.
