Paul Scholes has delivered a blistering condemnation of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo, accusing the club of “ruining” one of their brightest academy talents, reports BritPanorama.
The former United midfielder erupted on social media after Mainoo was once again left unused during Thursday night’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, despite Amorim publicly insisting the 20-year-old is “a starter.” Amorim attempted to explain his team selections last week, saying: “I see him as a starter like the other players. I just have to make a choice, and then in the end, it’s not been Kobbie.”
However, those assurances carried little weight for Scholes, who expressed his frustration after Mainoo was left on the bench as United struggled to maintain a fragile 1-0 lead at Old Trafford. “Bulls**t,” he wrote on Instagram in response to Amorim’s comments. “The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
Scholes’ anger was further fuelled by the sequence of substitutions as United attempted to close out the contest. Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, and Lisandro Martinez were all introduced, but Mainoo, arguably the most composed midfielder in the squad, remained unused. United eventually conceded a late equaliser, prompting questions about Amorim’s tactical decisions.
Pressed afterwards about the defensive nature of his changes, Amorim stated that he feared United would lose control of second balls in midfield. When a reporter suggested Mainoo as an obvious attacking alternative, the United manager responded with a laugh, an exchange that only intensified supporters’ frustration. Mainoo’s lack of involvement this season is stark; he has played just 171 Premier League minutes, with his only start coming in United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August.
Fans are increasingly concerned about Mainoo’s future, with a growing section believing he may need to leave the club to develop properly. Napoli explored a move during the summer and are understood to be monitoring him again ahead of the January transfer window, with sources in Italy convinced they can offer the playing time that United currently cannot. Scholes’ reflections serve as a reminder of how player management can shape career trajectories, particularly for young talents poised to flourish if given the opportunity.
