Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended his decision not to start any academy players in the Premier League this season, specifically addressing questions surrounding Kobbie Mainoo and other homegrown talents. Despite the growing interest in the 20-year-old midfielder, Amorim has emphasized that his priority remains fielding the strongest team to win matches.

Amorim on Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo, a rising talent who scored in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and started the Euro 2024 final for England, has featured sparingly in the Premier League. The midfielder has played 171 minutes across nine substitute appearances, including just a minute against Crystal Palace and remaining on the bench during the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham.

Amorim explained the reasoning behind Mainoo’s limited involvement:
“I just want to win. I don’t look at who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”

The manager highlighted that Mainoo is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and key midfielder, whose consistency in the team has limited opportunities for younger players.

Mainoo reportedly wanted a loan move to Napoli in the summer to preserve his chances of being selected for England’s World Cup squad, but the club blocked the move. Amorim reiterated that while he understands the interest in Mainoo as a homegrown player, selection decisions are made purely based on what he deems best for the team:
“You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in]. It’s my decision.”

Academy Policy and Other Prospects

Amorim’s approach extends beyond Mainoo. Tyler Fredricson and Shea Lacey, two other academy graduates, have also seen minimal playing time. Fredricson has not featured since the EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby in August, while Lacey has been an unused substitute in three Premier League matches.

Despite this, Amorim stressed that United’s academy system remains strong, highlighting investments such as the appointment of Stephen Torpey from Brentford to oversee youth development. Fifteen-year-old forward JJ Gabriel was recently spotted in the directors’ box at Old Trafford, signaling continued attention to youth talent.

Amorim acknowledged that upcoming absences for Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to Africa Cup of Nations duty could create opportunities, but he made no guarantees about Mainoo or other academy players starting:
“I don’t know, I don’t know. It depends. If it’s the best thing for the team, I will put [him in], that is the only way I know how to respond.”

Focus on Immediate Results

Amorim’s stance reflects his win-first mentality, prioritizing prepared and experienced players to maximize results. When pressed about giving Lacey a debut, he responded:
“So you are asking me why I don’t put Lacey on to play, when I have other guys that are internationals who are also on the bench. I try to put the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment of the club, in trying to win the game. That’s the only thing.”

The ongoing debate highlights tension between Manchester United’s proud academy tradition and Amorim’s pragmatic approach to squad selection, particularly in a season where results are critical.