Ruben, several players and pundits have recently expressed their opinions on Kobbie Mainoo, including Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Rio Ferdinand. I know you’ve addressed this before, but as the head coach, how frustrating is it for you to hear these former players weigh in?
“I think it’s quite normal. As the manager of Manchester United, I recognize that we are underperforming and should have amassed more points this season. I understand where they’re coming from—often they don’t have all the details, and they compare the current situation to the high standards they experienced while playing here. It’s difficult for them to witness Manchester United in this position. Regarding Kobbie, I could discuss him at every press conference, but it’s even more challenging for me to comment right after a match. The situation remains consistent. I know certain players have strong support from you guys, just as I have faith in them, yet sometimes I must make choices. We operate with two midfielders in our games. While we could make changes down the line, Kobbie plays in the same role as Bruno Fernandes. It’s tough to substitute Bruno out of the lineup, and that’s the crux of the matter.”
But do their comments complicate your job?
“No, winning is the main issue. Sure, many things can be highlighted that need improvement, but the core problem is not winning. If we were winning, I could show up at matches with unconventional tactics, and everything would seem fine. The reality is, as a manager, I am not performing well enough, and I accept that. The main concern for them is that Manchester United is not achieving victories and isn’t in the position it should be.”
Regarding the former players, is this something you experienced in Lisbon as well, or have you found the media environment here to be different?
“No, it’s entirely different here. We are in the best league in the world, and there are countless elements surrounding the game. Every press conference I attend, every interview I give, highlights this. At Sporting, we rarely faced criticism because we were consistently winning. When you’re winning, there’s nothing to complain about—just praise, and I fully understand that.”
