Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, accusing him of ‘ruining’ Kobbie Mainoo’s career and urging the midfielder to leave Old Trafford.
United laboured to a dismal 1-1 draw with West Ham United on Thursday night as they once again passed up the opportunity to move into the top five of the Premier League
Amorim made a string of substitutions as United chased a second goal before Soungoutou Magassa’s goal secured a point for the Hammers.
Mason Mount, who played like a ‘schoolboy according to Roy Keane, was thrown in along with Manuel Ugarte, a player Amorim has publicly described as ‘struggling’ this season. With just minutes left, Lisandro Martinez was also brought on for Luke Shaw in a straight swap at the back.
Mainoo, along with fellow academy graduate Shea Lacey, remained on the bench and watched on as United failed to create anything of note after West Ham’s leveller.
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Mainoo has still not started a league game this season having been denied a loan exit in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The decision to not call upon on the England international last night when United were so clearly struggling for invention was the last straw for club legend Scholes.
Last week, Amorim told reporters he ‘considers Mainoo a starter’, comments which prompted a furious response from Scholes in a now-deleted Instagram story.
‘Bulls**t,’ Scholes posted 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. Hate seeing home grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now, enough is enough.’
Defenders Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro also came on in the second-half on Thursday night with Amorim explaining post-match he was worried about his side losing second balls.
The United boss then asked a reporter who would have been a more attacking change with Mainoo’s name put forward. Amorim responded with a laugh.
Mainoo is desperate to play regular first-team football and force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s plans for next summer’s World Cup.
He will have no shortage of offers with Napoli, and a reunion with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, thought to be his preferred option.