Amorim comments raise more Man Utd academy concerns
Harry Amass (right) and Chido Obi (second left) both started Manchester United's 4-3 Premier League defeat at Brentford in May
- Published
Question marks over Ruben Amorim's commitment to Manchester United's academy will only have heightened following the head coach's rather strange comments before Monday's Premier League game with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Amorim was again having to defend his use (or lack of it) of England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
But in trying to emphasise he is not scared to choose young players, he also managed to criticise the performance levels of 18-year-old striker Chido Obi and left-back Harry Amass, also 18, who is on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday.
Amorim gave both teenagers their first-team debuts last season, Chido playing eight times, seven as a substitute, without scoring, while Amass made seven appearances, including four Premier League starts.
Meanwhile, Amass has excelled at Wednesday this term to the extent it is not certain he will remain at the club for the remainder of the season amid huge interest from elsewhere.
Yet this form seems to have passed Amorim by.
"In the end it's going to be the training, the games," he said, when asked about the basis for his decision not to start Mainoo so far this season.
"Of course. he's not playing so many games, but Kobbie has had opportunities, especially last year. Everyone has.
"Amass is now struggling in Championship. Chido is not always a starter in the under 21s.
"All these guys played when a lot of people were saying: 'Sack the manager'. So, you can see that I'm not worried."
Amorim's point was that he will always pick what he feels to be the best side regardless of the ages of the players.
However, his apparent criticism of Amass and Chido, plus midfielder Tony Collyer, who has returned from his loan stint at West Brom for treatment on an injury, has been noted with dismay both by figures close to the academy and player representatives.
It is unclear whether Mainoo will remain at United after the transfer window closes as clubs interested in a loan move circle, particularly those abroad.
However, it is not anticipated any deal will be done before the African Cup of Nations is over.
