Amorim condemns entitlement at Manchester United amid Mainoo row

Ahead of a pivotal period at Old Trafford, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim criticized a growing sense of entitlement in the squad and urged players to turn criticism into motivation to improve.

The debate intensified after Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother wore a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' shirt at a recent game, a gesture seen as a sign of frustration over the midfielder's lack of starts. Meanwhile, younger players such as Harry Amass and Chido Obi posted, then removed, images celebrating their progress after Amorim challenged their development.

Entitlement under scrutiny

Amorim warned that some players expect to start rather than earn their place, stressing that difficult moments are part of growth. He said honest, constructive dialogue is essential to solving issues, not public displays or memes.

Some United legends publicly suggested Mainoo should leave, but Amorim disagrees, aligning with the view that the 20-year-old should fight for his place in the team.

There is a feeling of entitlement in the club, he said on Friday. “We don’t always need praise for everything. If a player is not playing, we should address it through proper channels rather than walking away.” He added that the door to his office remains open for talks, but few have taken him up on it.

Amorim also stressed that some players forget what it means to represent Manchester United, and while he accepts his own on-pitch struggles, he insists his off-pitch commitment to the club remains unwavering.

Despite the shirt incident, he reiterated that Kobbie Mainoo’s Premier League chances will come down to merit and whether he is the best option for a given game, not a social media moment.

Squad picture and upcoming fixtures

United head into a busy spell missing Casemiro through suspension and with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt sidelined by injuries, while Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are with their national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“He will play if he is the right player to play,” Amorim said of Mainoo, underscoring that selection will be based on performance rather than headlines.

Fernandes as a guiding example

Amorim also addressed Bruno Fernandes’ recent interview with the Portuguese federation, where the captain spoke about feeling hurt by United’s willingness to sell him and questioned whether some teammates truly value the club as he does. The coach declined to try to interpret Fernandes’ motives, but called Fernandes a major example who puts everything on the line in training and matches.

Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned that lifting the league again could take a long time, underscoring the scale of the club’s challenge. While the season has been inconsistent, a top-four finish or even a title challenge remains a talking point for the new era at Old Trafford.

Amorim remains realistic about the timeline but is optimistic United can compete for the title in the coming years, not ruling out a rapid return to the summit of English football.

Expert view and outlook

Expert view: Analysts say Amorim’s tough stance could bring much-needed accountability, but it risks friction if results do not follow. Fernandes’ leadership and response will be critical in shaping the dressing room’s mood.

Summary

Ruben Amorim has challenged Manchester United’s culture of entitlement, urging players to respond to criticism with improved performance. The Kobbie Mainoo episode and social posts have tested his approach, while Fernandes’ leadership remains a focal point. With several players sidelined, United must balance discipline with results as they push for Champions League qualification and a potential league challenge in the coming years.

Key insight: Real progress comes from earning your place and facing challenges with the club, not from entitlement or public spats. BBC Sport

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