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Amorim criticizes club culture amid player unrest
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has condemned what he calls a "feeling of entitlement" among players, accusing them of forgetting what it means to represent the club.
Player reactions spark controversy
Amorim's remarks follow a series of incidents involving younger squad members. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother wore a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" T-shirt during Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, a gesture aimed at the 20-year-old's lack of starts this season.
Two academy graduates, Harry Amass and Chido Obi, briefly posted images on social media highlighting their achievements after Amorim suggested last week they were underperforming. Both posts were later deleted.
Club legends Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt, and Paul Scholes have publicly stated Mainoo would be better off leaving if he fails to secure regular playing time. Amorim, however, disagrees, aligning his stance with former captain Roy Keane, who believes Mainoo should earn his place through performance.
Amorim's stance on criticism
"There is a feeling of entitlement we have in our club. Sometimes, difficult moments are not a bad thing for the kids. We don't always need accolades in everything. We are not helping."
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager
The 40-year-old added that players "sometimes forget what it means to play for Manchester United" and criticized the tendency to "speak and go against the club because they feel entitled."
Amorim confirmed he has not spoken to Mainoo about his half-brother's actions but insisted the midfielder's selection will not be influenced by the incident. "He is going to play if he is the right player to play," Amorim said.
Squad shortages ahead of Aston Villa clash
United will be without six senior players for Sunday's Premier League fixture at Aston Villa (16:30 GMT). Midfielder Casemiro is suspended, while defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are injured. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Bruno Fernandes' explosive interview adds to tensions
Amorim also addressed captain Bruno Fernandes' recent interview with the Portuguese football federation, in which Fernandes expressed hurt over United's willingness to sell him in the summer and criticized some teammates for not valuing the club enough.
While Amorim declined to comment on Fernandes' remarks directly, he praised the 31-year-old's leadership, stating, "He is a big example. He puts everything on the line in every training session and every match."
Ferguson's bleak prediction met with optimism
Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently suggested it could take another decade before the club wins the Premier League again. Amorim, however, dismissed the forecast, insisting United will challenge for the title sooner than expected.
"I don't know which manager [it will be], but I truly believe we are going to fight for the title in the next years."
Ruben Amorim
What's next
United face Aston Villa on Sunday, with Amorim expected to field a makeshift lineup due to the absences. The manager remains focused on instilling a culture of resilience and accountability within the squad.
