Softfootball understands that Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim once again doubled down on his choice to leave young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo out of the starting lineup following the club’s recent 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
Amorim gives a firm explanation in a video posted by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
Watch the video below:
With fans and media circling around the 20-year-old’s reduced minutes, Amorim insisted his decisions aren’t driven by noise but by what he believes actually fits the team best on any given day.
He admitted that he understands why supporters feel strongly about Mainoo. The midfielder grew through the club’s academy and his performance in the 2024 FA Cup final and even became a regular starter for England.
Amorim, who recently defended Leny Yoro’s performance in the team, made it clear that emotions alone would not dictate who plays.
He stressed that being a national-team starter doesn’t automatically guarantee a spot in his XI, and he repeated more than once that he selects players based on performance, readiness, and tactical shape, not outside expectations that pile up from everywhere.
The conversation naturally drifted into a wider debate about whether Amorim trusts United’s academy as much as previous managers.
Some critics hinted that the handling of Mainoo, plus several young talents sitting out matches, signals a lack of faith.
Amorim pushed that idea aside quickly and almost bluntly, reminding everyone that Mainoo himself is a product of that same academy he’s supposedly ignoring.
He added that the door remains open for every young player who shows they are prepared to make an actual impact, not just a sentimental one.
Asked about Shea Lacey also missing out, Amorim explained that certain selections simply come down to balance in different positions. If Bryan Mbeumo is unavailable, he may pick Amad Diallo instead, because the team has other wing-backs who can cover.
He just tries to put the best and most prepared guys on the pitch to win the game, even when people outside don’t fully agree.
