Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defends treatment of benched Kobbie Mainoo

LONDON – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim does not believe that Kobbie Mainoo is in a position to start matches, the Portuguese said when he was asked why the midfielder has yet to start an English Premier League match this season.

The 20-year-old has appeared nine times as a substitute, while his only start this season came as the Red Devils were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

United academy graduate Mainoo, who played for England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final and scored in United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City that year, was an unused substitute as United could only draw 1-1 with West Ham United on Dec 4.

“Of course I understand (why you ask me), and my job is to answer,” said Amorim, whose side visit bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on Dec 8.

“But you always ask me the same thing. 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. It’s my decision.

“I’ve seen the training, if it’s the best thing for the team, I will put (him in).”

United great Paul Scholes had said that Mainoo is “being ruined” by his lack of chances under Amorim, suggesting that his best option is to leave Old Trafford.

The midfielder did request a loan move in August but was turned down.

“The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football,” said former United and England midfielder Scholes, who won 11 English Premier League titles at Old Trafford.

“Hate seeing home-grown players leave but it’s probably best for him now, enough is enough.”

With the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations soon, Amorim also said that did not mean more of a role for youngsters such as Mainoo, Tyler Fredricson and Shea Lacey.

“I just want to win,” added the United boss.

“I don’t look (at) who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch. I try to put the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment in trying to win the game.”

United have again had an inconsistent run of results of late, as their draw with West Ham came on the back of a 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace.

Their next match should be an easier task, however, as Wolves have not won a single league match this term.

“Everything can happen, and that will change. There is no team in the Premier League history that didn’t win one game,” warned Amorim.

“We need to try to improve, work really well, and prepare a tough match because it’s always a tough match.”

In the Wolves camp, manager Rob Edwards spoke about the importance of that first win.

“Everyone is under pressure. How do we lift it? By being consistent. We have to be living like we’re a winner on and off the pitch,” he said.

On the challenge posed by United, Edwards added: “They have loads of really good players and a clear way of playing, which we will have a really good look at. I have to focus on us and we have to turn up.” AFP, REUTERS