Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has been critical of the way Ruben Amorim has handled young players.
Before making the move to Manchester, Ruben Amorim gave 27 debuts at Sporting Lisbon to academy stars, and that gave Ineos confidence that he could do the same at Old Trafford.
In his first full year in charge, Amorim has given several debuts at United, including Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson. All came last season when United were prioritising European progress.
What Paul Scholes said about Man Utd selling Kobbie Mainoo
“It’s ridiculous. He’s United’s brightest spark.
“He’s probably the leading man who could be here for the next five to 10 years.”
Paul Scholes in early 2025
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This season, Amorim is being slammed for overlooking Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old midfielder is still yet to start a Premier League match, much to the frustration of fans and Paul Scholes.
Last week, Scholes advised Mainoo to leave United, and he lashed out at Amorim, saying: “I don’t think the manager gets this club.”
Ruben Amorim press conference ahead of Bournemouth match
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
One of the biggest criticisms of Amorim this season is that he has been hesitant to trust in United’s youth, especially Mainoo.
Scholes’ comments were born of frustration, but Amorim’s latest words on United’s academy players prove his point.
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In the pre-match press conference before Bournemouth, Amorim made concerning academy comments and name-dropped Chido Obi and Harry Amass.
Ruben Amorim believes Harry Amass and Chido Obi would not make an impact in the Man Utd first team 🤔
What do you think of Amorim's comments? Is he making a good point, or is he losing it?
Ruben Amorim on Amass/Chido
Getty Images
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“Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido is not always a starter in the Under-21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager.”
Instead of speaking highly of United’s prospects, Amorim took the opportunity to put them down and justify his omission of Mainoo.
Ruben Amorim got it all wrong with Harry Amass
Amorim argued that Amass is “struggling” in the Championship while on loan with Sheffield Wednesday.
A glance at the Championship table would suggest that is the case, with Wednesday rock bottom still on negative points after their summer deduction.
But actually, Amass dominated the Player of the Month voting at Wednesday after building a strong run of form in the second division.
READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday manager reveals what Man Utd have said about Harry Amass on loan
Amass is thriving in Wednesday’s defence, playing in a wing-back role similar to that used by Amorim at United.
To say he is ‘struggling’ is simply incorrect, and Amorim’s comments could knock Amass’ confidence at a time when he is finally showing his full potential.
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