Portuguese manager defends limited youth selections amid Champions League race.

Ruben Amorim

Manchester United head into their crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth with pressure mounting to secure a Champions League spot. With rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Sunderland all winning their weekend fixtures, a win is vital for the Red Devils to maintain pace in the table.

Ahead of the match, United manager Ruben Amorim addressed questions about his limited use of academy graduates, a topic that has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. Amorim was particularly candid about the struggles of current academy players this season:

“Toby Collyer is not playing at West Brom. Harry Amass is struggling in Championship. Chido is not always starter in the U21s.”

The Portuguese manager defended his decision, noting that he has used youth players when necessary, especially during challenging periods, and will continue to integrate them when the timing is right:

“I played them when people said: sack the manager. You can see I’m not worried. I want to win. If he’s the right guy, I will put him in.”

As the Red Devils prepare for Bournemouth, all eyes will be on Amorim to see whether academy talents will feature in the squad, balancing immediate results with the development of Manchester United’s next generation.