Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has found himself in the middle of controversy after defending his decision to leave young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on the bench.
Even amid a poor run of results, including a recent 1-1 draw against West Ham United in the Premier League, as reported by Softfootball.
Speaking at a press conference, in a video posted by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
The manager insists his choices are based on tactical fit and performance; fans have been quick to react on social media.
Watch the video below:
Some supporters are openly frustrated with what they see as Amorim’s stubbornness. meme vids @NextFvckingL expressed disbelief at the manager’s approach,
He said:
Bro must be dumb with this run of the results yet he doesn’t want to change tactics
Other fans, like UnitedFocus @The_UnitedFocus argue that Mainoo could make a positive impact compared to current substitutes.
He tweeted:
Can only defend this if we ended up winning games without him but too often we concede goals and give up points whoever comes on. Ugarte doesn’t stop us conceding and then offers nothing to help us retake the lead once we have conceded. Can’t tell me Mainoo would do a worse.
Some fans defend the manager’s approach, pointing to his knowledge of the squad. OrderBlockHunter, @OrderBlockHuntR, argued.
He said:
The coach and his team work with and train the players everyday and have done for over a year. Does the media and some fans believe they know both football better and know the ability of the players better to make a judgement call on who should be picked. This happens over and over again with United and the media attacking managers to sell some articles. Tired of it!!
OrderBlockHunter tries to remind critics that consistent training insight can outweigh outside opinions.
Meanwhile, supporters sympathetic to Mainoo voiced concern over his stalled development, encouraging him to go on loan. Maazi Samson @MaaziSamson.
He tweeted:
I really feel for Kobbie, how he went from a world class midfielder to a bench warmer still marvels me. Why not let him leave on loan, at least
Similarly, Mmiri mara Ugo @iamNEWYO highlighted the contradiction of sidelining a young talent while results suffer.
He said:
But he’s not getting the results. That’s why he’s being questioned. We have a bright kid you don’t play, yet you go out there and lose and expect not to be questioned?
The debate around Mainoo, who played just one minute in Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, and his lack of playing time reflects a larger discussion about youth development, tactical decisions, and fan expectations at Old Trafford, as supporters continue to scrutinise both the manager and the team’s performances.
