Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim finds himself under mounting pressure once again, having managed just one win in his last five Premier League outings.
The frustration among the fans is about the lack of progress under Amorim but also about his distrust of the academy.
The famed United academy is known for nurturing young players who have developed into the superstars of this game.
Even in one of the most underwhelming decades in the club’s modern history, talents like Marcus Rashford and Alvaro Carreras have shown that Carrington’s production line still has steel.
Three words define United – Youth, Courage, Success.
They are printed on the players’ shirts as a reminder of what this club should stand for.
Twelve months into the job, Amorim is struggling to uphold any of those values.
Kobbie Mainoo is one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation.
He proved it at United, and he proved it again with England when he shone on the biggest stage at Euro 2024.
Fast forward a year, and Mainoo now looks like he will need a miracle just to make England’s World Cup squad in 2026.
The 20-year-old has featured for only 171 Premier League minutes this season, an astonishingly low figure for a player of his ability.
Against both Everton and West Ham at Old Trafford, United desperately needed an attacking spark, yet Amorim ignored Shea Lacey and kept him rooted to the bench.
Instead, he went with conservative defensive changes.
When you are losing 1-0 at home to a weaker side, any brave manager throws the kitchen sink but Amorim retreated into his shell.
Amorim thinks differently and he is completely wrong.
Three United academy players have made their senior debut under the Portuguese.
Chido Obi and Tyler Fredricson have already been pushed back to the Under-21s this season.
Harry Amass, the third name on that list, is out on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
If a United manager lacks the courage to trust extraordinary young talent, then he is simply not the right man to lead this club.