Rúben Amorim (40), manager of Manchester United, directly criticized the "entitlement" attitude spreading inside and outside the club. He made it clear that regarding external pressure and public expression of dissatisfaction over lack of playing time, the message is "you must endure and fight, not run away."
According to the British broadcaster BBC, Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim said at a press conference held on the 20th (Korean time), "There is an atmosphere at our club where people feel they are entitled," adding, "tough moments are not always bad for young players. Being applauded in every situation does not help."
The remark came against the backdrop of controversy surrounding Kobbie Mainoo. Recently Mainoo's half-brother appeared at Old Trafford wearing a T-shirt bearing the phrase "Free Kobbie Mainoo," which was interpreted as a protest against Mainoo's omission from the starting lineup. In addition, prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi posted content on social media highlighting their performances and then deleted it. Earlier, Amorim had publicly said these players "are not performing well at the moment."
Comments from club legends also fanned the flames. Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes expressed views to the effect of "if it's Mainoo, he'd be better off leaving the team." But Amorim's view differed.
He said, "These days players justify themselves and raise their voices toward the club. Then the legends say, 'If you can't play, leave; everyone is wrong.'" He drew a line, saying, "No. Stay and fight. Endure and overcome. My office door is always open. Yet no one actually comes to talk."
Amorim also pointed out that "players sometimes forget what it means to wear the Manchester United shirt." He stressed, however, that external noise would not affect Mainoo's selection. He firmly stated, "It wasn't Kobbie wearing the T-shirt. That will not make him start or be on the bench. He will play when he is right for the spot."
Manchester United currently have significant gaps in their squad. Casemiro is suspended, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are injured. Brayan Embolo, Ahmad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are absent on call-up to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile Amorim expressed trust in captain Bruno Fernandes. Bruno recently said in an interview with the Portuguese Football Federation, "I was hurt by the fact the club tried to sell me in the summer," and his comment that some teammates do not sufficiently "stand up for" the club sparked controversy.
On that, Amorim said, "Bruno should explain the reason for that remark himself," while also saying, "He is a great example. He gives everything at every training and every game. He is a player with a special character."
Amorim also rebutted former manager Alex Ferguson's recent comment that "it could take 10 to 11 years for Man United to win the league again." He said, "Ferguson knows England's football better than I do, especially better than I do," but added, "I don't believe it will take that long. I don't know who the manager will be, but we will be fighting for titles within a few years."
Amid criticism and pressure, the direction was clear: his message to Manchester United was to stay and prove yourself rather than leave.
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