Manager Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on Reuben Amorim’s treatment of Koby Mainu, branding the manager a “bulldog” for his treatment of the young midfielder, who has played surprisingly little time for Manchester United this season. The 20-year-old academy graduate has yet to be given a single Premier League start for United in the 2025/26 season.
He was limited to just 171 minutes in the top flight and was forced to watch from the bench in Thursday’s boring 1-1 draw with West Ham at Old Trafford. Despite Mainu’s continued absence from the starting XI, Amorim insisted last week that he considers the England international to be his first-choice player. Portuguese manager Mainu’s only league start came in August in the Carabao Cup at Grimsby, a game that ended in disappointment for the Red Devils.
“I see him as a starter like any other player,” Amorim declared last Friday. “I just have to make a choice, and at the end of the day, it wasn’t Coby.
“I don’t know about the future. Again, I always think the same thing about Casemiro. (He) didn’t play, but then he will play. I just want to win games. I don’t care who is playing.”
Following Amorim’s decision to keep Mainu sidelined against the Hammers, former United legend Scholes could not contain his anger and lashed out at the head coach on Instagram.
“Bulls***,” Scholes shot back at Amorim’s remark. “This kid is ruined by not being allowed to play for a team that can’t control the game of football. I hate to see homegrown players leave, but this is probably the best thing for him right now. Enough is enough.”
Scholes has since deleted his post about Maynou, but he was overlooked as Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorg, Lenny Yolo and Lisandro Martinez were all introduced before United conceded a late equalizer against the Hammers on Thursday.
As a result, United are languishing in eighth place, having won just one of their last five league games. They defeated Crystal Palace on Sunday to end a three-game winless run, but Amorim’s side were unable to build on their encouraging win at Selhurst Park.
Diogo Dalot’s goal put United ahead in the 58th minute against West Ham, but the Red Devils were unable to maintain their advantage as Sungtu Magassa equalized for the Hammers in the last minute.
“Yeah, it’s frustrating and it’s pissing me off,” Amorim said in a quick assessment of his emotions after the West Ham game. “that’s it.”
Mainoo is rumored to be leaving Old Trafford in January. Napoli remain interested in signing the talented young midfielder and are considering launching a bid for him next month.
