Ruben Amorim has mounted a firm defence of his handling of Kobbie Mainoo, insisting he will not be coerced into selecting the unsettled Manchester United midfielder despite growing public criticism.
Mainoo, whose season has stalled dramatically, has made only one start - the Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby in August - with nine Premier League appearances limited to late cameos off the bench.
Amorim’s latest decision to overlook the 20-year-old in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham has further intensified scrutiny.
With United pushing for a decisive goal, the manager sent on Lisandro Martínez rather than Mainoo, leaving the academy graduate visibly frustrated on the sideline.
It is the latest chapter in a campaign that has seen Mainoo’s development stall and his patience reach breaking point after United refused to sanction his proposed loan move to Napoli in the summer.
Mainoo, who played for England at the 2024 European Championships, is now expected to push again for a January exit, aware that sustained inactivity may cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes cut through the debate on Friday, branding Mainoo’s treatment “bulls**t” and questioning how a side “that can’t control a game of football” can continue to omit one of their most technically assured midfielders.
Five things to know about Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim | PAAmorim, however, remained unmoved by the criticism.
“Of course, I understand,” he said.
“My job is to answer, but I am trying to answer always the same thing - and you ask me always the same thing. You love Kobbie. He starts for England, but that doesn’t mean I need to put Kobbie in when I feel I shouldn’t.”
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Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United in the January transfer window | GETTYHe added that selection will continue to be based solely on performance and readiness.
“I don’t know what is going to happen. If I see in training that it is the best thing, I will put him in," he said.
"That is the only way I know how to respond.”
Amorim has previously been explicit in the internal hierarchy: Mainoo is competing directly with Bruno Fernandes for the advanced midfield role, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte occupy the deeper slots.
With Fernandes ever-present and Casemiro returning from injury, Mainoo’s pathway is congested.
Asked whether he recognises Mainoo’s dissatisfaction, Amorim replied: “I see it. And I just want to win.
Ruben Amorim is convinced Man United can return to winning ways soon despite their struggles against West Ham
|GETTY
"I put in the players - I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that.
"Ugarte played two games because Casemiro was out. Bruno is always fit. He’s the guy playing his position.”
United’s draw with West Ham means Amorim’s side have taken just one win from their last five league games.
They now travel to Wolves on Monday, mindful that their opponents have yet to win a Premier League match this season.
“Everything can happen,” Amorim warned.
“There is no team in the history of the Premier League that didn’t win one game. It can be any game. We need to improve, rest players and prepare well, because with us, it’s always a tough match.”