Manchester United have been a club in transition over the last 12 months, after Ruben Amorim was appointed as their new manager back in November 2024.
The 40-year-old arrived with huge expectations after his spell in Portugal with Sporting CP, which saw him claim the Liga Portugal title on two separate occasions.
However, his 3-4-2-1 system has failed to have the desired impact at Old Trafford, which has often led to supporters getting frustrated with his stubbornness to change shape.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim after the match
The fanbase have also been crying out for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo to gain more game time, with the Englishman often having to settle for a place on the bench in every Premier League game this campaign.
He may have opened up a new can of worms over the last couple of weeks, after making some unpopular comments about multiple players on the books at Old Trafford.
Why Chido Obi and Harry Amass are unlucky to play under Amorim
The academy has often played a huge part in United’s success in years gone by, but Amorim has done himself no favours with his comments over recent weeks.
He was asked about the potential of utilising some youngsters within the first-team ranks in the near future, with Chido Obi and Harry Amass two of the names suggested to the boss.
Amorim Amass Chido Obi comments
He stated that the left-back was struggling in the Championship during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, but he’s been one of the standout players for the Owls.
The 18-year-old has already featured on 16 occasions in England’s second tier, and even managed to score his first senior goal against Southampton.
As for Obi, Amorim claimed he’s struggled to start in the U21s side this campaign, but the 18-year-old has already racked up a total of 13 appearances across all competitions.
The Danish youngster has already scored on five occasions, including three in three starts in the U21 Premier League, subsequently demonstrating his clinical nature in front of goal.
Chido-Obi-Man-United
However, the manager’s recent comments highlight the lack of faith he currently has in the youth players at United to make the step up and feature in the first-team.
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The aforementioned academy duo aren’t the only ones who have struggled to make their impact at United over the last couple of months, with Mainoo unable to get into Amorim’s plans.
K. Mainoo
Like Amass, he’s a product of the Red Devils’ academy, but he’s been restricted to 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, with none of which coming from a starting role.
The player himself has covered his displeasure over his lack of first-team action, subsequently leading to the youngster asking for a move away from his boyhood club.
However, such a move has been rejected, with the Red Devils wanting to keep hold of the youngster despite his lack of action throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
He’s not alone in struggling to make an impact, with centre-back Tyler Fredricson potentially already playing his last game for his boyhood club under Amorim.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim walks off for half time
The 20-year-old managed to break into the senior ranks last season, subsequently making two appearances in the defeats against Brentford and Wolves.
He’s also only made one senior appearance this time around, featuring for just 45 minutes in the now infamous Carabao Cup Second Round defeat against League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
Fredricson may have appeared on the bench against Bournemouth on Monday night, but unfortunately for his sake, he’s been overtaken by Ayden Heaven in the pecking order.
Such a situation, coupled with the manager's lack of faith in the youngsters at his disposal, could well spell the end of his career at Old Trafford - under Amorim at the very least.
Tyler Fredricson - stats against Grimsby
Statistics (per 90)
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Tackles won
Blocks made
Interceptions
Fouls committed
Yellow cards
Stats via FotMob
His showing against Grimsby at the start of the season is evidence that, unfortunately, he’s not up to the standard required in the Premier League, given the current situation.
It’s a real shame to see the club’s academy setup going to waste at present, with such a decision potentially being a deciding factor in his spell at the club.
fredricson-man-utd
However, for the players currently on the books, it will no doubt spell bad news, which could lead to the departure of Fredricson alongside Amass and Obi.
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