Manchester – December 19, 2025 – Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has delivered a blunt assessment of the culture at Old Trafford, criticising what he described as a growing “feeling of entitlement” among players and urging them to respond to criticism by fighting for their place rather than pushing back publicly.
Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, Amorim said difficult moments are an essential part of player development, particularly for younger members of the squad, and warned that modern football culture is too quick to shield players from adversity.
Amorim Responds to Mainoo and Youth Player Backlash
Amorim’s comments come after a turbulent week at the club involving several young players. During Monday’s dramatic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth, Kobbie Mainoo’s half-brother was seen wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt in protest at the midfielder’s repeated absence from the starting XI.
In addition, academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi briefly posted — and then deleted — social media messages highlighting their achievements after Amorim suggested last week that they were “not doing well”.
The incidents have added to scrutiny of Amorim’s handling of young talent, particularly as club legends Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt, and Paul Scholes have publicly suggested Mainoo might be better off leaving Manchester United.
Amorim firmly rejected that idea.
“There is a feeling of entitlement we have in our club,” Amorim said.
“Sometimes difficult moments are not a bad thing for kids. We don’t always need accolades. We are not helping them if everything is praise.”
‘Stay, Fight, and Prove People Wrong’
Rather than encouraging players to seek moves away when frustrated, Amorim believes adversity should be used as motivation — echoing the mindset of former United captain Roy Keane.
“Nowadays players speak and go against the club because they feel entitled,” Amorim added.
“Then we have legends saying, ‘If you don’t play, leave.’ No. Let’s stay. Let’s fight. Let’s overcome.”
The 40-year-old stressed that his office door remains open, but expressed frustration that players were choosing indirect channels rather than direct conversations.
“That is the way we can solve things,” he said. “But nobody is coming to talk to me.”
Mainoo’s Selection Based on Merit, Not Protests
Amorim confirmed he has not spoken directly to Mainoo about his half-brother’s actions and insisted the 20-year-old’s chances of starting will not be influenced by outside pressure.
“It was not Kobbie who wore the T-shirt,” Amorim said.
“He is not going to start because of the T-shirt or go to the bench because of it. He will play if he is the right player to play.”
United’s squad for the Villa match is stretched, 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.
Amorim Warns Players Not to Forget Club Identity
Amorim also warned that some players are losing sight of what it means to represent Manchester United.
“Sometimes they forget what it means to play for Manchester United,” he said.
“I am the first to say I am failing the club on the pitch, but outside the pitch I guarantee I am not failing this club.”
He acknowledged the modern environment in which players feel emboldened to respond publicly to criticism but suggested it undermines accountability.
Praise for Bruno Fernandes as a Role Model
Beyond the youth-related controversies, Amorim was also asked about Bruno Fernandes, who recently gave an emotional interview expressing hurt at United’s willingness to consider selling him in the summer and questioning whether some teammates defend the club strongly enough.
While Amorim said Fernandes should explain his own comments, he was unequivocal in praising the captain’s commitment.
“He is a big example,” Amorim said.
“He puts everything on the line in every training session and every match. He is a special character.”
Optimism Despite Ferguson’s Warning
Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently suggested it could take another 10 or 11 years for the club to win the Premier League again — extending a drought that began after his final title in 2013.
While Amorim admitted he does not know if he will be the manager to end that wait, he rejected the idea that United’s struggles will last that long.
“He understands football more than me, especially English football,” Amorim said of Ferguson.
“But I truly believe we will not take that long to win the league. I don’t know which manager it will be, but I believe we will fight for the title in the next years.”
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