Manchester United fans have lashed out at Ruben Amorim after choosing Manuel Ugarte over Kobbie Mainoo to partner Bruno Fernandes in his side's visit to the Etihad today (September 14). The young English midfielder has grown frustrated with his lack of game time and tried forcing a loan before deadline day.
Mainoo has yet to start a single Premier League games this season and his only start in all competitions was in the dismal Carabao Cup second round exit to Grimsby Town. Amorim has continuously insisted he trusts the Red Devils' academy graduate and stressed patience.
Fans' fury comes after seeing Ugarte selected in midfield given the Uruguayan has struggled to impress since arriving at Old Trafford. He will be under the microsope in the Manchester Derby against a Manchester City side who have made a less than convincing start to the season.
Man United fans hit out at Amorim over Mainoo derby decision
Mainoo will once again settle for a place on the bench for the derby clash with rivals City. But he is joined by Casemiro who had been Amorim's usual choice to partner Fernandes in the middle of the park this season.
Fans are growing frustrated with the Portuguese's handling of the England international. One wrote:
"Mainoo’s missing out on a World Cup year because we appoint a manager that plays 5 defenders and prefers shin kickers over actual footballers."
Another despaired over the defensive team selection:
"5 defenders and Ugarte….with the attacking talent at your disposal, you’re suffocating it under a timid defensive setup. Worst coach United has ever had."
One fan thinks Amorim will have no excuses if his Reds falter at the Etihad:
"Ugarte over Mainoo is a choice, a nasty one but it is what it is. If you get a rubbish performance from a rubbish player that's on you."
Another supporter added:
"Ugarte and Bruno pivot and Mainoo still not starting even with Cunha out. Can understand why he wanted to leave on loan, especially with World Cup year."
Altay Bayindir starts in goal despite the deadline day signing of Senne Lammens, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw chosen in defence.
Amorim has gone with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu at wing-back with Ugarte and Fernandes in midfield. Benjamin Sesko makes his first Premier League start in a front-three alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Amad who takes Matheus Cunha's spot out on the left.