Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim says his decision not to introduce Kobbie Mainoo during the 1-1 draw with West Ham was simply based on selecting what he felt was the strongest team on the day.
United struggled to break down the visitors at Old Trafford and were ultimately punished for lapses in defence, leaving them with a disappointing point in the Premier League clash.
Asked after the match whether leaving Mainoo on the bench might dent the youngster’s confidence, Amorim was clear that his choices were purely tactical. The Portuguese coach suggested the 19-year-old is currently viewed as cover for captain Bruno Fernandes in the No. 8 role.
“I just want to win,” he told ManUtd.com. “I try to put the best players on the pitch. It’s not about who they are. Ugarte has played two games, Casemiro was unavailable for one of them, and Bruno is always fit and playing his position. Maybe that explains it.”
Amorim’s comments indicate Mainoo is unlikely to start Monday’s league match away to Wolves.
Loan move under consideration
Mainoo impressed in his breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag, famously scoring the decisive goal in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City. But his development has stalled this term.
“Man United letting Mainoo leave would be a big mistake,” – Yeboah
Amorim has previously said he views the midfielder of Ghanaian descent as more effective in an advanced midfield role. With the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Fernandes has operated deeper, further limiting opportunities for the England international.
Rated at around £39m, Mainoo has struggled to break into the starting XI and has grown increasingly frustrated at his lack of minutes. A January loan move is now being weighed up by both player and club.
United are expected to wait until Mbeumo and Amad Diallo return from Africa Cup of Nations duty before making a final decision, but a temporary switch for the teenager could provide valuable regular football and potentially boost his market value ahead of the summer window.
