Former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison has launched a scathing attack on current manager Ruben Amorim, accusing him of disrespecting young talent Kobbie Mainoo. Morrison claims the treatment of the 20-year-old midfielder, who has been largely confined to the bench this season, amounts to "taking the p***".
Mainoo's Frustrating Season on the Sidelines
Despite a breakthrough campaign in 2023/24 that announced him as one of English football's most promising talents, Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a single Premier League game this season. The academy graduate has been restricted to just 212 minutes of action, all coming from substitute appearances. His situation became so uncertain that he reportedly came close to leaving Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.
United are now braced for fresh approaches for Mainoo when the January transfer market opens. However, club insiders suggest it would take an 'exceptional offer' to even make them consider a sale, indicating they still value his long-term potential highly.
Morrison's Blunt Podcast Critique
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, Morrison, who also came through the United academy but struggled to secure a regular first-team spot, did not hold back in his assessment. "They're taking the p***," Morrison stated. "He's a top player isn't he? I know you can't really say it's bad just coming on for a minute, but I don't know if they brought him on just to take the p*** just for a minute because he should really be playing a lot more than that."
Morrison emphasised that Mainoo needs a consistent run of games to recapture his best form. "He needs a run of games because you've seen the level he can play at," he argued. The 32-year-old then aimed a cheeky dig at Amorim's tactical setup, joking: "You know what? I don't know what system United play. I only watch Arsenal isn't it?"
Amorim's Defence and Mainoo's Future
In response to the growing noise around Mainoo's limited involvement, manager Ruben Amorim has publicly urged the youngster to fight for his place. The Portuguese coach attempted to contextualise the situation by referencing United legends. "Kobbie needs to fight for his job," Amorim said this week. "I think that it's not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old."
He added: "I remember [Cristiano] Ronaldo was on the bench, [Wayne] Rooney was on the bench sometimes. [Juan Sebastian] Veron was not playing. I remember all the history of Manchester United and [there is] nobody this didn't fall [to], so let's continue in trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise. Believe it or not, I just want to help the team to win and help Kobbie to be a better player."
Despite these assurances, the coming January transfer window will be a critical period. It remains to be seen whether Mainoo will seek a move away to secure regular football or whether he will stay and battle for his position at Old Trafford under Amorim's management.
