Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has launched a firm defence of his team selection policy, particularly regarding midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has yet to start a Premier League game this season. Despite being a full England international who started the Euro 2024 final just 17 months ago, Mainoo has been restricted to a mere 171 minutes in the league and was an unused substitute in the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham. Amorim remained unyielding when questioned about Mainoo's chances for more regular game time, asserting, "I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie, he starts for England. But that doesn't mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn't put Kobbie [in], so it's my decision."

Amorim has consistently emphasized his commitment to winning and selecting players based on current form and suitability for the team's objectives. He reiterated this stance, stating, "I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don't look who it is, I don't care about that, I'm just trying to put the best players on the pitch." He further suggested that Mainoo faces stiff competition from established midfielders such as Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro (when fit), and Bruno Fernandes, who consistently performs in his position.

Amidst his limited opportunities, Mainoo is reportedly keen to leave Old Trafford on loan in January to secure more regular playing time and bolster his chances of making England's World Cup squad. Serie A club Napoli has been heavily linked with a move, with additional interest coming from other Premier League teams and the Bundesliga.

The discussion around Mainoo extends to a broader concern regarding the integration of academy players into Manchester United's first team under Amorim. While the manager has previously acknowledged the academy's good work and committed to maintaining the club's proud record, dating back to 1937, of having at least one homegrown player in the matchday squad, actual playing time has been scarce. The club has invested in its academy, notably hiring Stephen Torpey from Brentford to lead it, and showcasing young talents like 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, who was present at Old Trafford for the West Ham game.

However, beyond Mainoo's 171 Premier League minutes, other academy prospects have seen even less action. Local-born defender Tyler Fredricson, who started alongside Mainoo in the EFL Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby in August, has not played another minute for the first team since. Similarly, Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren, was on the bench during Mainoo's injury spell, and England Under-20 forward Shea Lacey has been an unused substitute for the last three games.

Looking ahead, Manchester United is set to lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui when the Africa Cup of Nations commences later this month. This could potentially open up more opportunities for Mainoo, but Amorim offered a lukewarm response when asked about this possibility. "I don't know, I don't know," he said. "It's the same question, I don't know what is going to happen, it depends, I've seen the training, 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."