Manchester United’s under-pressure manager, Ruben Amorim, has made a public appeal for starlet Kobbie Mainoo to remain at Old Trafford, imploring him to “fight for his place” within the squad this season. As various transfer rumours swirl around the England international, who was omitted from Manchester United’s opening two Premier League fixtures, Amorim faces a critical juncture in his managerial tenure.
The young midfielder did feature in United’s recent clash against Grimsby Town in the League Cup, although it was a night to forget as the Red Devils suffered a humiliating defeat on penalties to the League Two opponents. With the World Cup fast approaching next year, Mainoo is reportedly keen on securing a temporary move away to maximise his playing time.
Addressing the speculation at a pre-match press conference, Amorim said, “Until it is official, I cannot say much. I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place. I understand players who don’t play are disappointed, but everyone will have the same opportunities to play. You have to fight during the week.”
In a frank admission, after being queried about the negative remarks he made following the Grimsby defeat, Amorim confessed his emotional struggles, stating, “Every time we have or will have a defeat like that, I’m going to be like that. I’m going to say that sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love them. This is my way of doing things. I was so frustrated and annoyed.”
Amorim further divulged his personal challenges in managing both the team and his media presence, “Sometimes I want to quit; sometimes I want to be here for 20 years. I know many experienced people say I should be more constant, to be more calm. But I’m not going to be like that. I need to improve on that.”
As United brace for their upcoming fixtures, Amorim seems set in his determination to remain authentic to his passionate self, despite the intense scrutiny. “I’m trying to accept this, and I will be who I am. That’s why I have the passion that I have,” he concluded.
It’s evident that the Portuguese manager is grappling with both squad dynamics and personal expectations as he endeavours to steer Manchester United towards a more favourable outcome in the coming months.
READ MORE MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS: