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 queried Amorim’s decision to utilise Bruno Fernandes in a central midfield role, with the Portugal international starting at the expense of Kobbie Mainoo, who has fallen down the pecking order this season.
Mainoo has made just two appearances in the Premier League, being brought on as a substitute against Burnley and Manchester City, and Butt has now criticised the United manager’s treatment of the 20-year-old.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former midfielder said: “I don’t think he’s been respected the way he should’ve been Kobbie. He’s a young boy, I get that, he’s gone off the boil a little bit, I get that, but he’s flew onto the scene, he’s playing for England – he’s a top, top player.
“Any club would want him, and he’s been brushed to the side. Now his mindset might be – you’re bringing me on in a derby where we’re getting battered and I’m on my own on this football pitch.”
Mainoo deserves to start more games for Man Utd
Fernandes has been one of the only shining lights for the Red Devils since Amorim’s arrival, picking up eight goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last season, but the Portugal international is clearly playing out of position.
Nigel Reo-Coker has called into question why everyone else can see the 31-year-old should be playing in attacking midfield role except the United boss, saying: “It is not necessarily Fernandes’ fault and more Ruben Amorim for insisting that he must play in this deeper role where there are clearly flaws and weaknesses.
“We all seem to know he plays as a number 10 other than Amorim.”
Mainoo, on the other hand, is a natural central midfielder, and managed to impress after coming on against Man City, winning two tackles, three ground duels and completing all 18 of the passes he attempted.
As such, the 20-year-old has earned the chance to start the next match, with the Red Devils set to take on Chelsea at Old Trafford this Saturday.