RUBEN AMORIM has gone on the attack against the Manchester United academy again.
Amorim, who has copped flak for his reluctance to use the club’s academy players, suggested three graduates had been overpromoted.
The United manager namechecked Toby Collyer, Harry Amass and Chido Obi as three talents whose promotions were premature.
Midfielder Collyer made his United debut under Erik ten Hag but actually started ahead of Casemiro under Amorim in the 2-0 Europa League win at Steaua Bucharest in January.
Obi and Amass, both 18, were given debuts by Amorim earlier this year but Obi has mainly trained with United’s under 21s this term.
Left back Amass is on a season-long loan at Sheffield Wednesday, where he has started in all 15 Championship games he has been available for.
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Collyer, 21, is also on loan at second tier West Brom but has returned to United for treatment after he sustained an injury
Collyer had only started three times for the Baggies before he came off after 11 minutes against Birmingham City last month.
Whilst discussing Kobbie Mainoo’s potential playing prospects if he left United on loan in the new year, Amorim said: “He (Collyer) played (for the United first team). He’s from the academy. He played here.
“He went to West Bromwich. He’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever.
“It’s the situation, what’s happened. I don’t know what is going to be the future (for Mainoo). Let’s see after this match.
“Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido (Obi) is not always a starter in under 21s.
“All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!”
It is believed that Amass’s “struggles” were more of a reference to Wednesday’s status as the Championship’s bottom club after two points deductions.
But Amorim voiced his doubts about Obi, who made eight appearances last season amid an injury crisis, three weeks ago.
Obi has scored five goals in ten U21 appearances this season and could leave United on loan in the winter transfer window.
The former Arsenal youth-teamer has not played for United’s second string since October.
Amorim has named Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher on the United bench in recent weeks but the pair have been unused substitutes.
Obi, Amass and Tyler Fredricson are the only academy players to have debuted on Amorim’s watch.
Centre back Fredricson has not figured for United since he was substituted at half-time with the team 2-0 down at League Two Grimsby Town in the League Cup second round.
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