Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has launched a fierce and exasperated defence of his continued omission of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, dismissing fierce criticism from club legend Paul Scholes.
Scholes Leads the Backlash Against Amorim's Policy
The Portuguese coach, whose side has won just eight of its 20 Premier League games this season, is facing growing discontent over his handling of the 20-year-old England international. Mainoo, a star of last season's FA Cup final and a Euro 2024 finalist, has not started a single league match in the current campaign.
After Amorim suggested Mainoo was being treated equally within the squad, Scholes responded bluntly on social media, writing: "B******t. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football." The former midfielder added that a departure from Old Trafford might now be in the youngster's best interests.
Amorim's Brutal Training-Ground Reality Check
Facing repeated questions on the issue, an irritated Amorim made it clear that public and pundit opinion holds no sway over his selections. He insists his decisions are based purely on what he witnesses in training.
"You always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie. He starts for England," Amorim said. "But that does not mean I need to put Kobbie [in the team] when I feel I shouldn’t put Kobbie."
When asked if he understood why the academy graduate might be demoralised, the United boss was unequivocal. "I see it and just want to win. I just put the players [in the team] - I don’t look who it is. I don’t care about that," he stated, pointing to the consistent fitness of Bruno Fernandes and the presence of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro as factors in Mainoo's lack of minutes.
Inflexibility Tested as AFCON Looms
Amorim's perceived tactical stubbornness may soon be forced to adapt. The impending Africa Cup of Nations will deprive United of Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo, potentially opening a door for squad players.
However, the manager refused to guarantee Mainoo a route back into contention. "I don’t know, I don’t know," he sighed. "It depends. If I see in training that it is the best thing, I will do it. That is the only way I know how to respond to that."
The controversy overshadowed United's preparations for their next fixture, a Monday night trip to face a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers side. Despite Wolves having only two points from 14 games, Amorim warned his team against complacency, noting that "no team in the history of the Premier League" has failed to win a match all season.
As the pressure mounts following a late draw against West Ham United, the treatment of Kobbie Mainoo is fast becoming the defining issue of Ruben Amorim's troubled tenure at Old Trafford.
