In a recent press conference, the Portuguese manager took several hits at three different academy stars when he was questioned if he rates academy graduates including Harry Amass and first-team player Kobbie Mainoo.
Amorim has only given debuts to three United academy players since taking charge and has shown little faith in the youth of the club, opting to use more experienced players.
His comments have caused controversy online, with some fans feeling that he “does not know his youth players” and has neglected them.
Harry Amass
One comment that raised the most eyebrows was on Sheffield Wednesday loanee Harry Amass, who is just 18 years old.
“Harry Amass is struggling in the Championship” said Amorim. Many fans said this shows the disconnect he has from the youth players, considering Amass has made tremendous progress since joining the South Yorkshire outfit, despite the club been in administration and rock bottom of the league.
Amass received the club’s player of the month award for November highlighting his progression and good performances since joining the club.
Amass primarily plays as a left-back or a left wing-back, a position which he has excelled in for Manchester United youth teams and Sheffield Wednesday’s first team.
The London born defender was handed his debut for Manchester United by Amorim against Leicester City at the King Power stadium on the 16th of March last season, coming on in the 69th minute to make his first appearance in the Premier League.
He went on to make 6 more appearances for the club before going on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.
Later, that day after Amorims comments, Amass appeared to post an image on Instagram of himself pictured with the player of the month award, taking a hit back at Amorims comments before removing it later on.
Amorim then went onto say “All these guys played when a lot of people were saying: ‘sack the manager.’ So, you can see that I am not worried.”
Not only do Amorims comments suggest that he has not watched Amass play whilst on loan, but it proves he is willing to throw young players under the bus to defend himself in the media, which is a concern to Amass, these players and the club.
Sheffield Wednesday Loan Star Career So Far
Amass began his career in the Watford academy, impressing enough to be named on their first team bench aged just 15.
He transferred to Manchester United in 2023 and quickly became a key player for their u18 and u21 squads. He has also represented England at u17 and u18 levels, again proving he is a pedigree player and one to watch out for.
