Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has made a lack of “respect” claim as he criticises Rúben Amorim’s treatment of one United star.
Rúben Amorim has made several big team selection calls since becoming Manchester United manager almost one year ago.
The first was over Marcus Rashford, who started Amorim’s first game as a striker, but was forced to Aston Villa for the second half of last season, and now to Barcelona for the remainder of this season.
Another to fall victim to Amorim’s player selection was Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine was one of Erik ten Hag’s favourites at United, but his comments after the Europa League final made an Old Trafford comeback almost impossible.
No matter their actions towards Amorim, they are both United academy graduates and should’ve been a key part of the club for years to come, but it appears neither will play for the Red Devils again.
Kobbie Mainoo could be another youth product to suffer from Amorim’s team selections, with Bruno Fernandes consistently picked ahead of him, despite his poor form in the deeper role.
Butt calls out Amorim for Mainoo treatment
Nicky Butt – former United midfielder and former head of first-team development at Old Trafford – has called out Amorim for his treatment of Mainoo on The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Football podcast.
“I don’t think he’s been respected the way he should’ve been, Kobbie,” said the former Premier League midfielder. “He’s a young boy, I get that, he’s gone off the boil a little bit, I get that, but he’s flew onto the scene, he’s playing for England – he’s a top, top player.
“Any club would want him, and he’s been brushed to the side. Now his mindset might be – you’re bringing me on in a derby where we’re getting battered and I’m on my own on this football pitch.”
Perhaps, if Butt were in his former United role, Amorim wouldn’t be allowed to neglect an academy talent as good as Mainoo.
Mainoo must play more if Amorim wants the fans on side
While he wasn’t on for long, Mainoo impressed against Manchester City, and he looked more natural in the double pivot than Fernandes, who moved to attacking midfielder when the 20-year-old came on.
If Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are both out for the Chelsea game this weekend, Mainoo should start in deeper midfielder and Fernandes should start as the left-sided attacking midfielder, next to Bryan Mbeumo.
Not only will this improve United’s chances of winning against Garnacho’s new side, but it will help Amorim keep the fans on side, as many question if he should be in charge of United going forward.
Every United fan loves Mainoo because of his talent, and as he came through the academy. Amorim must use that to his advantage.
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