Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has addressed a turbulent week off the pitch, responding to Bruno Fernandes’ candid comments about his future at the club and the controversy surrounding brother Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford in a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ shirt.
United’s head coach faced the media ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa following a dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, which was watched more intensely around the club. The fallout was compounded by Fernandes’ interview with Canal 11, in which the United captain revealed he was injured after being told the club wanted him to leave last summer, and a protest aimed at Amorim’s handling of Mainoo’s playing time.
Fernandes’ comments, which surprised many, raised questions about the harmony in the dressing room. Amorim confirmed the midfielder had already spoken to the club’s hierarchy and played down any lingering issue.
“He said what he felt,” Amorim said of his captain. “We already know the noise, but he spoke to the board and I think everything is clear. We just talked about his feelings and he needs to answer that, not me. He gives everything and puts everything on the line. We have to step up and also have that feeling. He is a big example in the group. He expressed his feelings and when I watch him train and play, he is a special character.”
Amorim was equally firm when asked about it Worn T-Shirt ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ and shared online by the midfielder’s brother, insisting it will have no bearing on his team selection for the trip to Villa Park.
“No, team selection won’t affect it,” Amorim said. “Kobbie didn’t wear that jersey. He’ll play if we feel like he’s the right guy. That’s not a problem. I’m not going to do anything to Kobbie because of someone in his family.”
United head into the weekend sixth in the table, two points off the Champions League places and level with fifth-placed Crystal Palace. Their opponents Aston Villa are third, three points behind leaders Arsenal and five ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.
On the injury front, Amorim confirmed that only centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain sidelined. However, the game at Villa will be United’s first without Bryan Mbeum and Amado Diallo, who are now on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Noussair Mazraoui’s absence against Bournemouth has raised questions, but Amorim has not hinted at any fresh fitness concerns.
“I think everyone else is fine,” he said. “We’ve got one more practice, but I think the rest of the guys are good. Nobody’s recovering, nobody’s out. Just guys you already know.”
Amorim also hit back at comments he made last week about academy prospects Chido Obi and Harry Amass not being ready for regular first-team football. The remarks prompted brief, now-deleted responses from the youngsters on social media, which Amorim said highlighted a wider problem at the club.
“I think we have a feeling, a bit of entitlement, at our club,” he said. “Sometimes strong words are not bad words. Difficult moments are not bad for kids. We don’t always have to be praised for every situation. “You talk about players who speak out against clubs because they feel entitled, then you have legends who say if you’re not playing, leave because they’re all wrong. No, stay and fight. Let’s get over it, maybe the manager is wrong. I feel like we have to fight this feeling.
“I am the first to say that I fail. Off the pitch I guarantee that I will not fail this club. It is something in our club and sometimes we forget what it means to play for Manchester United. “The environment allows children to feel entitled and free to answer the manager with a picture. My office is open but no one comes to talk to me. This is how we handle things. We have to change as a club.”
With the pressure mounting both on and off the pitch, Amorim will be hoping his side can focus back on football when United take on Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa at Villa Park.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 19, 2025
