Speaking at a press conference on Friday, December 19, 2025, Amorim said criticism and setbacks are part of player development, particularly for young footballers, and should not be met with public protests or social media reactions.
“There is a feeling of entitlement at this club,” Amorim said.
“Sometimes difficult moments are not a bad thing for young players. We don’t need praise for everything.”
His remarks follow a tense week at Old Trafford, highlighted by a protest involving midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
His remarks follow a tense week at Old Trafford, highlighted by a protest involving midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
During Monday’s 4–4 draw with Bournemouth, Mainoo’s half-brother was seen wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt, a response to the 20-year-old’s repeated absence from the starting line-up.
In a separate incident, academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi posted — and later deleted — social media images highlighting their achievements after Amorim publicly stated they were not currently meeting expectations.
The situation has drawn comment from former United players, including Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, who suggested Mainoo might be better served leaving the club to secure regular playing time.
Amorim rejected that view, aligning himself instead with former captain Roy Keane’s belief that players should fight for their place rather than seek an exit.
“When players don’t play, the answer should not be ‘leave the club,’” Amorim said. “The answer should be to stay, fight, and overcome. My door is always open, but nobody is coming to talk.”
The Portuguese coach added that some players have lost sight of what it means to represent Manchester United, particularly in an era where disagreements are aired publicly.
“Nowadays players speak against the club because they feel entitled,” he said. “They forget the responsibility that comes with playing here.”
Amorim stressed that Mainoo’s selection would not be influenced by the actions of his family members.
“It was not Kobbie who wore the T-shirt,” he said.
In a separate incident, academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi posted — and later deleted — social media images highlighting their achievements after Amorim publicly stated they were not currently meeting expectations.
The situation has drawn comment from former United players, including Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, who suggested Mainoo might be better served leaving the club to secure regular playing time.
Amorim rejected that view, aligning himself instead with former captain Roy Keane’s belief that players should fight for their place rather than seek an exit.
“When players don’t play, the answer should not be ‘leave the club,’” Amorim said. “The answer should be to stay, fight, and overcome. My door is always open, but nobody is coming to talk.”
The Portuguese coach added that some players have lost sight of what it means to represent Manchester United, particularly in an era where disagreements are aired publicly.
“Nowadays players speak against the club because they feel entitled,” he said. “They forget the responsibility that comes with playing here.”
Amorim stressed that Mainoo’s selection would not be influenced by the actions of his family members.
“It was not Kobbie who wore the T-shirt,” he said.
“He won’t start because of it, and he won’t be benched because of it. He will play if he is the right player.”
The coach admitted United are underperforming on the pitch but insisted he remains committed to protecting the club’s values off it.
“I am the first to say I am failing this club on the pitch,” Amorim said.
The coach admitted United are underperforming on the pitch but insisted he remains committed to protecting the club’s values off it.
“I am the first to say I am failing this club on the pitch,” Amorim said.
“But outside the pitch, I guarantee I am not failing Manchester United.”
United’s squad challenges have been compounded by injuries and absences, with Casemiro suspended, defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt injured, and Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
United’s squad challenges have been compounded by injuries and absences, with Casemiro suspended, defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt injured, and Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
0 Comments