Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has publicly addressed the growing scrutiny over his continued decision to leave midfielder Kobbie Mainoo out of his starting line-up, firmly stating that he does not select teams based on reputation.
Amorim's Merit-Based Selection Policy
The Portuguese manager, who saw his side draw 1-1 with West Ham United on Thursday 05 December 2025, explained his reasoning in a press conference. Mainoo is one of only four senior players yet to start a Premier League game this season, a group that includes third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, the returning Lisandro Martinez, and Tyrell Malacia.
"I see it and I just want to win," Amorim stated. "I just put the players, I don't look who it is, I don't care about that. I just try to put the best players on the pitch." He has consistently preferred a midfield partnership of captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, also turning to Manuel Ugarte when needed.
Irritation Over Persistent Mainoo Questions
Amorim appeared visibly frustrated by the repeated focus on the 20-year-old England international, who started the Euro 2024 final but has been limited to substitute appearances for much of the campaign. He was an unused substitute against West Ham.
"My job is to answer but I am trying to answer always the same thing," he added. "And you ask me always the same thing. I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie. He starts for England, but that doesn't mean I need to put Kobbie [in the team] when I feel I shouldn't put Kobbie."
No Guarantees for the Future
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, which will see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo depart, there has been speculation that Fernandes could be deployed further forward, potentially opening a midfield slot. However, Amorim offered no assurances to Mainoo.
"It's the same question," he responded. "I don't know what is going to happen. It depends. If I see in the training it is the best thing, I will put it. That is the only way I know how to respond to that."
Looking ahead to Monday's trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, Amorim provided a positive update on defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot, who are expected to be fit. Despite Wolves' poor form of just two points from 14 games, the United boss warned against complacency.
"Everything can happen," Amorim cautioned. "There is no team in the history of the Premier League that didn't win one game. It can be any game. So we need to try to improve, rest the players, work really well and prepare a tough match because with us it's always a tough match."
