Sir Alex Ferguson labelled one Man Utd fan favourite ‘heart and soul’ of club, Ruben Amorim cannot afford repeat

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Ruben Amorim will forever be reminded of the importance that Sir Alex Ferguson placed on one key Manchester United first-team player at Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old Manchester United manager is the sixth permanent appointment that the Red Devils have made since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

United have been trying to recover their mojo in English football and carve out a new – and successful – path forward in the post-Ferguson era of the Premier League club.

Ferguson, who is regarded as one of the best managers of all time, called it time on his legendary 26-year reign at Old Trafford at the end of the 2012-13 season.

The 83-year-old iconic Scotsman led the Red Devils to all 13 of their Premier League titles and Ferguson secured United’s historic treble win in the 1998-99 campaign.

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Sir Alex Ferguson’s words about Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sent an important message to Ruben Amorim

Alejandro Garnacho might have faced the chopping block under Ruben Amorim, but the Manchester United manager cannot afford to repeat with Kobbie Mainoo.

Both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho had been tipped as long-term prospects at Old Trafford after climbing out of the United youth academy.

Garnacho left United and moved to Chelsea in the summer after his relationship with United boss Amorim fractured in the tail end of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Sir Alex Ferguson was previously asked about Mainoo and Garnacho’s emergence in the United first team and his powerful observation spoke volumes about the pair.

Speaking to TikTok star Jamal Niaz in 2024, the legendary former United manager said: “It’s the foundation, isn’t it?

“It’s the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.

“They’re young. What they’re showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first team, and not be daunted by it.

“In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have. It’s a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age].”

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Ruben Amorim made his call with Alejandro Garnacho, but he must not do the same with Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Amorim had major issues with Alejandro Garnacho after the winger’s critical comments in the aftermath of United’s 1-0 final defeat to Tottenham in May.

The writing was on the wall for Garnacho at Old Trafford after his scathing assessment, with Stamford Bridge now his home in the world of football.

Kobbie Mainoo’s role, on the other hand, has been diminished this season after Amorim has started playing United captain Bruno Fernandes in the midfield pivot.

The 20-year-old United midfielder reportedly wanted a move away from Old Trafford in the summer to seek first-team football after losing his place in the starting XI.

Mainoo has remained at the club for the current season and is a United fan favourite, but Amorim must find a more purposeful role for him in his squad.

Otherwise, Ferguson could be ‘two in two’ for United players who represent the “heart and soul” of the Premier League club to have been offloaded under Amorim.