Nicky Butt has now claimed Manchester United have a “top, top player” who manager Ruben Amorim hasn’t “respected”.
Amorim called into question by former Man Utd stars
After the 3-0 Manchester derby defeat on Sunday, Amorim is under significant pressure, with Wayne Rooney one of the latest former players to criticise the performances, saying: “We want to support the team, we want to support the manager as best we can, but we also have to be honest as well because the fans are not fools and we have to give our honest opinion on what we’re seeing.
The United legend went on to add: “We have to be honest with what we’re seeing. And frankly it’s just not good enough.”
Daily Mirror reporter David McDonnell has now revealed that some United players have also started to become sceptical of their manager.
Paul Scholes has previously questioned Amorim’s choice to deploy Bruno Fernandes in a central midfield position, with the Portugal international starting at the cost of Kobbie Mainoo, who has seen his standing diminish this season.
Mainoo has only made two appearances in the Premier League, having been substituted in matches against Burnley and Manchester City, and Butt has now criticized the United manager’s handling of the 20-year-old.
While speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former midfielder remarked: “I don’t believe he’s been given the respect he deserves, Kobbie. He is a young player, I understand that, and he has lost some form, I acknowledge that, but he burst onto the scene, he is representing England – he is an exceptional player.
“Any club would desire him, yet he has been sidelined. Now, his mindset might be – you are bringing me on in a derby where we are being overwhelmed, and I am left alone on this football pitch.” Note: The response is formatted as per the specified JSON schema without any additional markdown.
Mainoo deserves to start more games for Man Utd
Fernandes has emerged as one of the few bright spots for the Red Devils since Amorim’s tenure began, having scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in the Premier League last season. However, it is evident that the Portugal international is not playing in his optimal position.
Nigel Reo-Coker has questioned why it is apparent to everyone except the United manager that the 31-year-old should be positioned in an attacking midfield role. He stated: “It is not necessarily Fernandes’ fault but rather Ruben Amorim’s insistence on placing him in this deeper role, which clearly exposes flaws and weaknesses.
“It seems that everyone recognizes he functions best as a number 10, except for Amorim.”
Conversely, Mainoo is a natural central midfielder and made a notable impact after coming on against Man City, successfully winning two tackles, three ground duels, and completing all 18 passes he attempted.
Consequently, the 20-year-old has earned the opportunity to start in the upcoming match, as the Red Devils are scheduled to face Chelsea at Old Trafford this Saturday.
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