Ruben Amorim, the Manchester United manager, has strongly criticised academy players Harry Amass and Chido Obi for their recent social media posts, labelling their actions as a reflection of an “entitlement” culture within the club. The manager’s comments followed posts by the young players on Instagram, which appeared to be a direct response to his earlier remarks about their development and playing time.

Amorim had previously expressed concerns regarding Amass’s progress, stating the defender was “struggling” at the bottom of the Championship. He also highlighted Chido Obi’s lack of regular appearances for the club’s Under-21 team. These initial critiques, delivered last week, seemingly prompted the players to share images celebrating their past achievements.

On Monday, as Amorim’s initial comments gained wider circulation, Harry Amass posted an image of himself with a Player of the Month trophy from his time at Sheffield Wednesday. Concurrently, Chido Obi shared a photograph celebrating a goal scored for Manchester United’s Under-21 squad, both actions interpreted by many as a defiant retort to their manager’s assessment.

Addressing the social media activity, Amorim reiterated that his original remarks were not intended negatively but rather as a challenge for growth. He described the players’ response as symptomatic of a pervasive sense of entitlement he believes has taken root at Old Trafford. “I think it is the feeling of entitlement that we have in our club,” Amorim stated, suggesting that sometimes “strong words” and “difficult moments” are necessary for player development, rather than constant praise.

Amorim expanded on his philosophy, asserting that an environment of perpetual accolades does not genuinely aid young athletes. He drew a connection between this perceived entitlement and instances where players appear to act against their clubs, a sentiment he feels compelled to combat continuously. The manager underscored his belief that fostering resilience is crucial for professional footballers.

While acknowledging his own responsibilities, Amorim drew a clear distinction between on-field performance and off-field conduct. “Sometimes I’m the first one to say that I’m failing this club inside the pitch, I have that feeling we are not performing the way we should be,” he admitted. However, he firmly added, “outside the pitch, I guarantee you I’m not failing to this club.”

The manager suggested that the club, at times, collectively loses sight of the profound significance of representing Manchester United. He expressed concern that this forgetfulness extends to the players themselves, particularly the younger generation who, in his view, feel overly entitled and free to challenge managerial authority through public platforms.

Amorim stressed that his office door remains open for direct dialogue with any player wishing to discuss his comments. “They feel free to respond to the manager with a picture, my office is open, nobody is coming to talk to me. And that is the way we can solve things,” he explained, advocating for internal communication over public displays.

Ahead of Manchester United’s match against Bournemouth, Amorim clarified the intent behind his initial statements. He explained that his point was to highlight the immense privilege of playing for a club of Manchester United’s stature. “I just spoke about how the luck of playing for Manchester United,” he said, suggesting exposure to different realities helps players appreciate their position.

He concluded by expressing optimism that, with time, attitudes would shift within the club. Amorim’s comments underscore an ongoing debate within football regarding player conduct, social media use, and the management of young talent in high-pressure environments, particularly at clubs with rich histories and significant expectations like Manchester United.

The incident brings into focus the delicate balance between nurturing young talent and instilling the discipline and humility required to succeed at the elite level. As Manchester United navigates a period of significant change, Amorim’s firm stance suggests a commitment to reshaping the club’s internal culture from the academy upwards, prioritising accountability and direct communication.

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