Three Man Utd Academy Stars Trapped in Explosive Amorim-Mainoo Battle
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim unexpectedly referenced three youth academy players while defending his limited deployment of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo has yet to begin any Premier League match this campaign and has accumulated merely 183 minutes across 10 substitute appearances. The promising 20-year-old is reportedly considering a January departure to secure more playing opportunities, causing disappointment among numerous fans.
Amorim has addressed multiple inquiries regarding Mainoo, maintaining that he possesses the capability to become a regular starter through developing specific qualities, though the manager's 3-4-2-1 system doesn't particularly suit Mainoo's skill set.
Additional questions were posed to the United manager ahead of Monday's clash with Bournemouth, but this time, Amorim referenced the difficulties faced by academy graduates Toby Collyer, Harry Amass and Chido Obi to support his handling of Red Devils youth players.
"[Collyer] comes from our academy, featured here, moved to West Bromwich [Albion] and isn't getting game time," Amorim noted. "He represented Manchester United, so sometimes it's not about academy status or anything else. It's simply the circumstances that have developed."
He continued: "Every player has the opportunity to change my perspective. Ultimately, it comes down to training sessions and match performances. Certainly, he's not featuring in many matches, but Kobbs has had chances, particularly last season. Everyone received [opportunities]. Especially last season, everyone did.
"Amass is currently finding it tough in the Championship. Chido isn't consistently starting for the U21s. All these players featured when many people were demanding, 'Fire the manager.' You can observe that I'm not concerned.
"I simply focus on the squad and attempt to secure victory in the upcoming match. I will continue this approach until the conclusion."
Amorim: No Discussions Regarding January Departure for Mainoo
With Mainoo unable to secure consistent playing time under Amorim, the young midfielder is believed to be receptive to a temporary move elsewhere. A summer loan request was rejected by the club and Amorim confirmed no discussions have occurred regarding a winter departure, though he would welcome the opportunity for such dialogue with Mainoo.
"Above all, the squad takes priority," Amorim declared. "Should Kobbie approach me for discussion, I will engage with him.
"I won't reveal what I would tell Kobbie, but I would be genuinely delighted if Kobbie came to discuss this with me. I simply want my players to be content and recognize that each individual has personal objectives. Frustration benefits no one.
"I've had several discussions with him, particularly last season, and with other players, but regarding this topic, no, I haven't spoken with him."
Internal 'Concern' Regarding Mainoo's Man Utd Situation
Mainoo isn't the sole player experiencing limited minutes under Amorim—Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte both have comparable playing time this season—but the discussion around him is distinctive.
United proudly maintains an 88-year consecutive record of including an academy graduate in the matchday squad, but this achievement is precarious following the summer exits of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, making Mainoo the sole senior academy product to preserve the streak. His absence due to injury last month prompted Amorim to include academy prospect Jack Fletcher in the squad to maintain the tradition.
Amorim has publicly expressed his apprehension about potentially being the manager to end this streak, but The Telegraph reports that some within United have specific worries about Mainoo's treatment by the manager, who suggested his English nationality also influences the attention surrounding the young midfielder.
"Absolutely [I value Mainoo], like everyone else," Amorim emphasized. "The issue is we're operating with two [midfielders] and you perceive Kobbie differently than I do.
"Perhaps if you deploy three midfielders, rather than just two, Kobbie would receive more opportunities. Imagine if this occurred. Someone in attack would lose their position. Sometimes it's simply timing.
"I believe I've demonstrated that if you can change my opinion [you can earn a spot]. Casemiro exemplifies this perfectly. He was behind Toby and now he's a regular starter.
"Kobbs is another player whose situation I comprehend completely. I understand the significance. The expectations that you and English supporters hold. I also simply want to win. If he's the correct choice, I will select him. No hesitation."