3 days ago
'Prima-donnas who don't care' - Manchester United legend rips into 'average' players and insists Red Devils must back 'perfect' manager Ruben Amorim
Man Utd finished 15th in the PL standings
Amorim wants fresh start by clearing dead wood
May backs Portuguese to succeed at Old Trafford
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Each of the players has expressed a desire to leave the club and Amorim has opted to isolate them from the rest of the group to preserve a focused and united atmosphere. The banned individuals are expected to remain away until after the first-team squad departs for their tour of the United States later this month.
WHAT MAY SAID
May, a member of the historic 1999 treble-winning side, believes Amorim's decisive actions prove he's the ideal figure to lead United through a crucial transition.
'I think this manager is perfect for the club,' said May. "I like what he does, how he speaks and I think the club is in really good hands with him. It's just the players and the mentality of some of them, who simply have to leave. You need players who will run through brick walls and who won't question, but will just get on with it."
May emphasised the importance of a team-first mentality, expressing frustration with stars who show entitlement rather than commitment.
"You can question certain things, but go and see the manager if you've not played, have it out in his office," he added. "Don't do it in the press or on social media. You see some of the stuff that's out there and it's so disrespectful, what some of the players are doing. You look at some of the players and their body language, and I think I'd much rather have 10 average players who will work their socks off than these prima-donnas who don't care."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
May also revealed details of a recent private chat with Amorim, in which the United boss shared his emotional struggle.
'It's only when you leave the club, as a player, that you think 'wow, that is such a special place'. To be part of it, to have 70,000 people behind you, week-in, week-out, is the best feeling ever," he said.
'These players have to realise that. I spoke to Ruben and he said 'the club is amazing, It's so special, but I feel I'm betraying the fans because I'm not getting the results'. I told him every fan I know absolutely loves what he's doing and he said 'nothing will change until the mentality changes' and he's spot-on.'
DID YOU KNOW?
United endured a torrid campaign last season, finishing 15th in the league - the club's lowest placement since the Premier League era began. To make matters worse, they missed out on European competition for only the second time in 35 years after a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. But May sees a silver lining in the club's misfortunes.
'Sometimes you have to hit rock-bottom – and I think we are at rock-bottom,' said May.
"But I think it's a blessing in disguise. You just have to concentrate on the league every week and not worry about Europe. Ruben can focus on starting the season well. We've got a great opening game, at home to Arsenal, and it's important we get off on the right foot."
WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
United's preparations for the new campaign are well underway. Their first friendly is scheduled against Leeds United in Sweden on July 19. That match will be followed by a U.S. tour as part of the Premier League Summer Series.
The tour begins with a clash against West Ham in New Jersey on July 26, then continues with Bournemouth in Illinois on July 30, before concluding with Everton in Georgia on August 3. United will wrap up their pre-season by hosting Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.
