Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim criticised what he called a "feeling of entitlement" among players, saying young players should use criticism and tough times to motivate themselves.
This week, Amorim faced the ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt, worn by the midfielder’s half-brother, after Mainoo was repeatedly left out of the starting line-up. Young players Harry Amass and Chido Obi also posted (then deleted) social media pictures highlighting their achievements after Amorim suggested they weren’t performing well.
While club legends like Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt, and Paul Scholes said Mainoo should leave United, Amorim disagrees. He said players should stay, work hard, and prove themselves. "Sometimes difficult moments are not bad for the kids… we don’t always need praise," he added.
Amorim insisted that Mainoo’s chances of starting are not affected by the T-shirt. "He is not going to start or sit out because of the T-shirt. He will play if he is the right player," he said.
United are currently missing several key players due to suspension, injury, or Africa Cup of Nations duty, including Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui.
Amorim also stressed that players sometimes forget what it means to play for Manchester United and that he remains focused on guiding the team.
