Gianluigi Donnarumma is concerned about two ‘dangerous’ players that Manchester United have let leave in the last 12 months

Nicky Butt has spoken out against Ruben Amorim’s decision to overlook Kobbie Mainoo, despite Manchester United’s midfield troubles.

Kobbie Mainoo, who emerged from Manchester United’s youth and played a major role in the FA Cup victory in 2023, is now a bit-part player under Ruben Amorim.

The 20-year-old has only started one game this season, a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, and has yet to play in the Premier League. Despite a disappointing loss for the Red Devils, Mainoo performed well against the League Two team.

However, Mainoo has only made two substitute appearances in the league this season. They faced Burnley and Manchester City, but his status in the team has been called into doubt as a result.

Nicky Butt challenges Ruben Amorim’s’respect’ for Kobbie Mainoo.

Since becoming United’s head coach about a year ago, Amorim has made significant decisions on team selection.

Eliminating players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony, and Marcus Rashford is among the options.

United fans generally responded positively to these calls, but Mainoo’s treatment has raised concerns.

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Nicky Butt, former United midfielder and manager of first-team development at Old Trafford, has chastised Amorim for not treating Mainoo with respect.

On The Good, The Bad, and The Football podcast, Butt stated, “I don’t think he’s been respected the way he should’ve been, Kobbie.

“He’s a young guy, I understand that, and he’s gone off the boil a little bit, but he’s sprung into the scene, he’s playing for England, and he’s a top-tier talent.

“Any club would want him, but he’s been sidelined. Now his thinking might be – you’re bringing me on in a derby when we’re getting pummelling and I’m on my own on this football pitch.”

Butt’s opinions are significant given his prior involvement at United. It begs the question of whether, if he were still head of development, he would speak with Amorim about putting more faith in the Stockport-born midfielder.

Steven Gerrard chooses Mainoo over Archie Grey.

Mainoo wished to leave United on loan this summer.

It’s a World Cup year, and Mainoo’s chances of reaching the England squad are slim unless he gets more minutes on the pitch.

In a TikTok challenge, former Liverpool captain and England international Steven Gerrard was challenged to identify from a list of Premier League midfielders.