Despite United’s long-standing reputation for developing youth talent, few academy players have progressed into the senior side during Amorim’s tenure.
Former breakout star and FA Cup winner Kobbie Mainoo has found himself on the sidelines this campaign, with the Portuguese manager frequently overlooking him and reports suggesting the midfielder is considering leaving Old Trafford during the January transfer window. ..Continue Reading
Amorim maintains that the 20-year-old Stockport native has failed to fully seize his chances, responding to comments from club icons Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt — who have both argued that a move away would benefit Mainoo — by stating they “sometimes don’t have all the information”.
Both Scholes and Butt have insisted that Mainoo must leave United to revive his career after not starting a Premier League match so far this season.
While conceding that United are “underachieving”, Amorim suggested that three academy graduates were promoted to the first team earlier than they should have been.
During a fiery outburst, Amorim stated: “He [Toby Collyer] played [for the first team].
“He’s from the academy. He played here. He went to West Bromwich. He’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever.
“It’s the situation, what’s happened. I don’t know what is going to be the future [for Mainoo]). Let’s see after this match. [Harry] Amass is now struggling in the Championship.
“Chido [Obi] is not always a starter in under 21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!”
Although Collyer earned his first United start under former manager Erik ten Hag, he was later preferred to Casemiro during United’s 2–0 Europa League victory over Steaua Bucharest last January.
Amass and Obi both made their senior debuts under Amorim. Amass is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, where he has started 15 matches, while Obi largely continues his development with the under-21 squad.
Tyler Fredricson is the only other academy product to make his debut during Amorim’s reign, but he has not featured since being substituted during United’s humiliating defeat to Grimsby Town.
Amorim’s claim that Amass is “struggling” may relate to Sheffield Wednesday’s position at the bottom of the Championship table, a situation heavily influenced by financial difficulties and an imposed points deduction.
Nevertheless, the remarks have confused and angered supporters.
One fan wrote: “Amorim calling Amass ‘struggling’ when he just won Sheffield Wednesday’s Player of the Month? Collyer’s injured, not benched. Throwing the kids under the bus to save himself… this ain’t it, Ruben….”
Another reacted: “This guy is a monster!!! Toby Collyer is injured, Harry Amass won player of the month. Throwing academy products under the bus cos he doesn’t want to play Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Ugarte is crazy,”
A third supporter added: “What kind of Manchester United manager says this about academy talent publicly? Plus, he’s lying – Harry Amass has been excellent at Sheffield Wednesday, recently winning their November POTM award.”
The tirade appears to stem from scrutiny over Mainoo’s reduced role, with Amorim previously addressing the midfielder’s future amid discussions of a possible January loan move due to limited playing time.
Mainoo had favoured a loan switch to Napoli in the summer — where former United players Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay have impressed — but the club blocked the move. The Italian side are expected to renew their interest next month.
“No, I didn’t speak with him, not about that,” Amorim explained. “I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players, but not about that subject.
“The team comes first and I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that. I just want my players happy, and I understand that every individual has their goals.
“The problem is that we are playing with two midfielders and you guys see Kobbie in a different way than I’m seeing him. Maybe if we play with three midfielders, Kobbie will have more minutes.
“Of course he’s not playing so many games, but Kobbie has had opportunities, especially last year. Everyone has. I understand all the interest, but I also just want to win and if he’s the right guy, I will put him. No problem.”
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