‘If it wasn’t so sad, it would be laughable’ – Richard Keys baffled by what Ruben Amorim has done at Man United
Richard Keys has addressed a major issue in Ruben Amorim’s decision-making despite an upturn in Man United’s results.
Man United drew 1-1 with West Ham, leaving them 12th in the Premier League table, with the chance to move to sixth with a win over Wolves at Molineux Stadium on Monday, 8 December.
The Red Devils already appear to be making plans for the January transfer window, with Antoine Semenyo on Man United’s radar, and multiple of the current squad could be on their way out too.
United supporters were furious when Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench in favour of Manuel Ugarte against the Hammers, with rumours ramping up over the youngster’s potential exit.
Despite a lack of minutes, the manager has continued to speak positively about the academy product, but with the player now expected to leave next month, Keys has sparked an issue with Amorim.
Ruben Amorim’s reason for snubbing Kobbie Mainoo revealed
Writing on his personal blog (8 December), Keys said: “I learned at the weekend why Amorim won’t play Mainoo, who sadly will leave United now – probably in January.
“Amorim believes he can’t get around the pitch – that Mainoo isn’t mobile enough. I’ve heard some baffling nonsense from this generation of coaches, and this is right up there.
“Not mobile enough? So Amorim picks Casemiro instead? If it wasn’t so sad, it would be laughable.
“Mainoo, a United product, will leave the club now because it looks likely his advisors’ game plan has failed – that Mainoo would be at United beyond Amorim. Paul Scholes is right. It’s criminal.”
Which clubs could sign Mainoo in January?
It is understood that Bayern Munich are the latest club to register an interest in Mainoo, with Napoli having been linked with the 20-year-old since the summer transfer window.
Multiple Premier League clubs have also been tipped to move for his signature, such as the likes of Everton, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Leeds United.
However, the manager continues to stand strong on the stance of Mainoo not being allowed to leave. With just 171 minutes of Premier League football, though, that might have to change.
Several of the current midfielders appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order, something which continues to baffle the home supporters, but Amorim shows no signs of changing his mind.
Clubs will be chomping at the bit for a midfielder of his calibre, and those at Old Trafford may not be able to ignore the outside noise for much longer.