Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has firmly rebutted suggestions that he lacks trust in the club's famed academy, highlighting the inclusion of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in his first-team plans as clear evidence to the contrary.
Mainoo's Limited Role Under Scrutiny
The debate was sparked following United's 1-1 draw with West Ham United at Old Trafford on Thursday, a match in which the 20-year-old Mainoo was named amongst the substitutes but did not feature. The England youth international, who joined the club at the age of six, has made 10 appearances this season, but his only start came in the Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town.
When directly questioned about his faith in the youth system, Amorim's response was pointed. "Why [ask]? We have Kobbie Mainoo," the Portuguese coach stated. He acknowledged the player's disappointment at not playing more frequently but emphasised his primary focus is on results. "I see it. I see it and I just want to win. I don't look who it is, I don't care about that, I just try to put the best players on the pitch," Amorim explained.
Competition for Places in Midfield
Amorim elaborated on the specific challenges Mainoo faces in breaking into the starting eleven, citing strong competition for the central midfield roles. "You have [Manuel] Ugarte that played two games [in the league], one of them [when] Casemiro was out. Bruno [Fernandes] is always fit, he's the guy that is doing his [Mainoo's] position so maybe it has to do with that," he said.
The manager faced similar queries regarding another highly-rated teenager, forward Shea Lacey, who has been in the last three matchday squads without debuting. Amorim defended his selection policy, noting the depth of experienced internationals also waiting for their chance. "When Bryan [Mbeumo] is not there I put Amad [Diallo] because I have other wingbacks to play and sometimes it's hard," he said.
Africa Cup of Nations Could Open Door
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in Morocco on 21 December, may however create an opportunity for Mainoo. Amorim will lose both Diallo and Mbeumo, who are set to represent Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively. The mandatory release date for players is 15 December, when United host Bournemouth.
With Fernandes potentially able to operate further forward, a vacancy in midfield could arise. Asked if this might lead to more minutes for Mainoo, Amorim remained pragmatic. "It depends," he stated. "If I see in the training it is the best thing, I will put him in." The United boss confirmed that both Diallo and Mbeumo are available for the next fixture, a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, before their departure for international duty.
While Mainoo's wait for a sustained Premier League breakthrough continues, his consistent place in Amorim's matchday squad is presented by the manager as the strongest signal of the academy's ongoing importance to the first-team setup at Old Trafford.
