Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on manager Ruben Amorim, claiming that young midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo is 'being ruined' by a severe lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.
From Euro 2024 Finalist to Benchwarmer
The 20-year-old English midfielder enjoyed a spectacular breakout season in 2023/24, culminating in a goal in the FA Cup final and a call-up to the England national team. His rise was so meteoric that he started in the final of Euro 2024 for the Three Lions.
However, the current 2025/26 campaign has been a stark contrast. Mainoo has struggled to get minutes under Amorim, failing to secure a single Premier League start so far. His situation hit a new low during Thursday's 1-1 draw with West Ham United, where he was an unused substitute, despite United's ongoing struggles to control matches.
Scholes' Furious Reaction and Transfer Advice
Scholes, an 11-time Premier League winner with United, reacted with fury on social media. In a since-deleted Instagram story, he reposted a quote from Amorim stating he considered Mainoo 'a starter' and added his own blistering critique.
'The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football,' Scholes wrote. 'Hate seeing home-grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now, enough is enough.' This public condemnation suggests the club legend believes Mainoo's future may lie away from Manchester if the situation persists.
Mainoo's only start this season came in a humiliating League Cup exit to Grimsby in August. He even requested a loan move that same month to gain playing time, but the club rejected it.
Amorim's Stance and a Glimmer of Hope?
When questioned about Mainoo's absence after the West Ham match, Amorim defended his decisions, though his comments offered little reassurance for the player's immediate prospects. 'You love Kobbie. He was… he starts for England, but that doesn’t mean I need to put Kobbie (in) when I feel I shouldn’t,' the manager stated, emphasising it was ultimately his call.
He acknowledged that the situation could be demoralising for Mainoo but stressed his primary focus was on winning games. 'I just try to put the best players on the pitch,' Amorim said.
A potential opening may arise in January when players like Amad Diallo depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Amorim remained non-committal, saying, 'I don’t know what is going to happen. It depends. If I see in the training it is the best thing, I will put him in.'
With his last England cap earned in September 2024 and a World Cup next year, Mainoo's international prospects are also fading due to his club inactivity. As United sit eighth in the Premier League, the handling of one of their most promising academy graduates has become a major point of contention.
