Ruben Amorim has addressed his decision to keep Kobbie Mainoo on the sidelines for Manchester United’s upcoming match against Wolves.
Mainoo, a midfielder, has only played 171 minutes in the Premier League this season, all as a substitute. Despite being a regular starter last season and playing in England’s Euro 2024 final, Amorim insists that past performances do not guarantee a starting spot at United.
Amorim explained his selection process, stating, “I just want to win. I try to put the players, I don’t see who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.” He highlighted that other players like Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes have been consistently fit and performing well, influencing his decisions.
Mainoo has been an unused substitute four times this season, most recently during United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham. His reduced role marks a significant change from last season when he started 23 matches across all competitions. Amorim emphasised that Mainoo’s role with England does not automatically translate to club selection.
Reports indicate Mainoo is considering a loan move in January, with Napoli as a potential destination. This move could mirror Scott McTominay’s successful stint in Serie A under Antonio Conte. However, United might block such a transfer due to upcoming player absences during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Amorim remains uncertain about Mainoo’s future game time over Christmas. He stated, “It’s the same question. I don’t know what is going to happen… If it’s the best thing for the team, I will put [him in], that is the only way I know how to respond to that.” This suggests that Mainoo’s inclusion depends on team needs and training performance.
The potential loan move for Mainoo could be complicated by United losing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for international duty soon. Amorim’s approach focuses on selecting players based on current form and fitness rather than past achievements or external pressures.
As Manchester United prepares for their match against Wolves, Amorim continues to defend his choices regarding team selection. While fans may question Mainoo’s absence from the starting lineup, Amorim prioritises what he believes benefits the team most at any given time.