Ruben Amorim has proven David Moyes wrong regarding the use of academy players at Manchester United, with his recent comments and actions serving as evidence.
Manchester United were dealt a fresh blow upon their return from the international break, losing to Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night. Ruben Amorim’s side had found their groove with a hat-trick of wins before two draws set them on an unbeaten streak.
The challenge was to keep that momentum going, especially with the Premier League table ripe for the taking. Sadly for the Red Devils, their hopes took a hit as they succumbed to defeat under the watch of their ex-gaffer, David Moyes.
This was despite an early sending off for Idrissa Gueye, who saw red for a swipe at Michael Keane in the match’s early minutes. Yet, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s goal put Everton ahead, leaving United scratching their heads for a response.
While the loss could spell trouble for United, there was a glimmer of hope shining from the bench. Amid the mayhem unfolding at Old Trafford, academy whiz kid Shea Lacey found his spot on the bench and in the matchday squad for the first time.
The England Under-20 international has been earmarked for greatness and is the latest gem from the youth system poised to make waves. His integration could be particularly crucial in the coming weeks, as Bryan Mbeumo and Amad depart to represent their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Players like Lacey and Jack Fletcher may play a vital role in filling the void, highlighting the academy’s importance in navigating challenging periods. This comes despite Moyes’ assertion that United have strayed from its traditional approach, which he linked to Sir Alex Ferguson’s legacy.
In his pre-match press conference, Moyes reflected on the club’s history. He said: “The history of Manchester United was not [one of change]. Manchester United had a great culture.
“They stuck with their managers; they brought through their own academy boys. They actually had some of the best characteristics of what you would want your club to have: good values.”
Moyes also praised Sir Alex’s influence on the club. The Everton boss said: “Sir Alex had great values at Manchester United and, over the years, those values he established needed some time to come through as well.
“It was always a club with brilliant values, with an understanding about bringing their young players through and developing them in the right way.”
While some of Moyes’ comments may be seen as a critique of United’s recent approach, the same cannot be said of Amorim’s tenure at the club. The Portuguese boss has avoided the frequent changes that have plagued the club in the past, and it is clear that he prioritises supporting and developing young players.
Lacey and Fletcher are the most recent cases in point, with Amorim heaping praise on the former ahead of their matchup against Everton. He said: “I’m really happy with him. I think he struggled a little bit with injuries; they did a very good job balancing his body. You can sense that he can manage more load during training.
“He has a lot of talent, but when they come here, they can sense the speed is completely different, so they need to spend more time with us to be prepared, because our trainings are hard, at Premier League games, with the pressure it’s harder, so they need to be ready.”
It’s evident that Amorim is aware of the developmental journey required for United’s academy stars, not just providing opportunities but gradually easing them into the demands of senior football. His perspective on Chido Obi’s situation further underscores this approach.
The promising striker made seven appearances in the Premier League last season, but he has yet to be included in a matchday lineup this term. Reflecting on this, Amorim said: “Yeah, of course [Obi can step up], he played last year. I think it was too soon, we didn’t have a team.
“That we can put a young kid with 16, that he will not struggle, or will struggle a little bit, was completely necessary to do that. The perfect conditions. We have the opportunity and we seek that opportunity for the kids, so he’s one of the guys, but I think he started too soon.
“And sometimes it’s hard to deal with that, with the kids, because they think that I’m already here. No, you are here for necessity and we need to be careful also with that.”
United have faced criticism for straying from their roots, but Amorim is investing significant time and thought into utilising the club’s youngsters. This development strategy may prove vital in addressing short-term absences and, in the long run, restoring the club to its former glory.
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