Ruben Amorim made a controversial comment about a few academy players at his latest Man Utd press conference.
Manchester United youngsters are frustrated with Ruben Amorim after his comments regarding academy players during his latest press conference. Amorim suggested Harry Amass was “struggling” on loan in the Championship and pointed to Chido Obi not starting every game for the Under-21s.
When asked whether Kobbie Mainoo could change his mind and earn a starting role, Amorim unpromptedly said: “[Harry] Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido is not always a starter in U21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager.”
The United boss is thought to have meant Sheffield Wednesday are “struggling” but the optics were not good. Amorim also mentioned Toby Collyer in the press conference, saying: “He’s from the academy, he played here, went to West Bromwich, he’s not playing. He played for Manchester United.”
The Manchester Evening News understands Amorim’s comments have been viewed as disappointing by sources close to some academy players.
And that frustration has spilt onto social media, with Amass and Obi both posting stories on Instagram before deleting the posts. Amass uploaded a photo of himself with the Sheffield Wednesday Player of the Month award, while Obi shared an image of himself celebrating after a goal.
Other academy players have liked posts questioning Amorim’s commitment to youth, and Mainoo liked a post about Amorim laughing in response to a question about him after West Ham.
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Amass has made 15 starts in the Championship since his arrival. Academy staff have been delighted with his loan spell and Sheffield Wednesday’s manager, Henrik Pedersen, has lavished the defender with praise.
Obi has exclusively played in academy fixtures this term, having made seven Premier League appearances last season. Amorim has previously suggested Obi was exposed “way too soon.”
Collyer has encountered bad luck on loan at West Brom, picking up two injuries, with the second issue having been responsible for the midfielder’s return to Carrington for treatment.
West Brom manager Ryan Mason has spoken about Collyer’s quality and outlined his desire for the youngster to contribute in the second half of the campaign after his recovery.
Amorim was expected to be a positive appointment for the academy given the trust he placed in young players at Sporting Lisbon, but the 40-year-old’s latest comments have rubbed some up the wrong way.
Shea Lacey was included in the last four matchday squads in the Premier League, however, fans questioned why the youngster wasn’t given a chance in the closing stages of the comfortable win against Wolves.
