Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly accepted criticism from former players regarding his management and the handling of young talent Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim acknowledged that the team’s current performance, sitting sixth in the Premier League, indicates they are “underachieving” and have fallen short of expected standards. He understands the disappointment of club legends who witnessed periods of consistent success.
Criticism has been particularly vocal from former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who has questioned Amorim’s suitability for the managerial role and suggested he doesn’t fully grasp the club’s ethos. Scholes, alongside other former teammates like Rio Ferdinand and Nicky Butt, has expressed concern over Mainoo’s limited Premier League starts this season, with some even suggesting the talented youngster might consider a loan move to secure more playing time.
Amorim views such commentary from ex-players as a natural consequence of the club’s current standing. He stated that he takes their observations “naturally” and recognizes that they often lack the complete picture from within the club. However, he empathizes with their difficulty in seeing Manchester United, a club synonymous with winning, in its present situation.
When specifically addressing the situation with Kobbie Mainoo, Amorim indicated that it’s a recurring topic he discusses in press conferences. He admitted that it can sometimes be more challenging to offer detailed explanations after a match. The manager’s primary focus remains on the team’s overall performance and ensuring all players feel engaged and valued.
Amorim self-deprecatingly attributed the scrutiny not to pundits’ opinions but to the team’s failure to secure victories. He believes that winning would overshadow many of the perceived shortcomings and allow for a more forgiving environment. The manager conceded that he, as the manager, is “not doing good enough” and accepts this reality as the fundamental issue.
Looking ahead, Amorim emphasized that the team’s collective success takes precedence over individual player desires. While he would welcome a conversation with Mainoo about his future, he stressed that any decision would be made with the team’s best interests at heart. He stated his desire for all his players to be happy and understands their personal ambitions, acknowledging that frustration can be detrimental.
