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'Gone off the boil'- Ruben Amorim slammed for sidelining Manchester United sensation

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 2:38 PM ET

Nicky Butt is not happy with how Ruben Amorim is using Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United

Manchester United always take pride in developing homegrown talent, and Kobbie Mainoo is their latest success story. He joined the academy at nine and quickly impressed everyone with his calmness and maturity on the ball. The 20-year-old’s performances in the FA Youth Cup win in 2022 showed how much potential he had. He made his senior debut in the EFL Cup in January 2023 and started an exciting journey.

As the months passed, Mainoo increased his influence. He showed his quality in his confident Premier League debut against Everton and scored vital goals against Wolves and Liverpool. The English midfielder produced his best moment in the FA Cup final when he scored the winning goal against Manchester City. That strike earned him a special place in the fans’ hearts.

By March 2024, he earned his first England cap and represented his country at Euro 2024, and that achievement proved his steady rise. Yet this season, his progress has slowed under new manager Ruben Amorim. According to The Guardian, Mainoo’s playing style doesn’t fully fit Amorim’s system. The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 setup that focuses on pace, pressing, and strict positioning.

Mainoo, however, plays with rhythm and control. He dictates play from deep midfield and builds the game through short passes. Amorim reportedly believes Mainoo needs to strengthen his defensive awareness before he earns a regular spot again. By October 2025, he has played only six matches this season and gained limited minutes. That situation has sparked debate among fans and former players.

The debate around Amorim’s handling of Mainoo

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt is the latest man who is not happy with how Amorim is handling the young midfielder. Butt feels that the 20-year-old deserves more respect and support. He went on to remind everyone that Mainoo showed immense potential when he first played for Manchester United, and has also earned his place in the England national team. His statements have made it quite clear why everyone does not agree with Amorim’s decision not to play Mainoo consistently.

“I don’t think he’s been respected the way he should’ve been, Kobbie. He’s a young boy, I get that, he’s gone off the boil a little bit, I get that, but he’s flown onto the scene, he’s playing for England – he’s a top, top player. Any club would want him, and he’s been brushed to the side.”

Via: Amazon Prime Video

Meanwhile, reports revealed that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes feels unhappy with his deeper role under Ruben Amorim. That situation has added more tension regarding the Portuguese manager’s new tactics. Meanwhile, Manchester United were warned off making a move for Frenkie de Jong. United have been linked with new midfielders to strengthen their team.

Amorim might have his own ideas, and that is why he is showing adamancy. However, if United continue ignoring a talent with the potential like Mainoo, it brings a huge risk to the future of the club. The 20-year-old will effectively solve the problems when the team lacks control and creativity. If the Portuguese manager continues to ignore him, it will stunt the development of the Englishman at this age, and he will decide to leave Old Trafford for consistent opportunities. If that happens, the Red Devils will rue missing out on one of the brightest talents from their youth team.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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