Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is facing criticism for limiting Premier League game time for academy players, most notably highly-rated midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite Amorim upholding the club’s tradition of having a homegrown player in the squad, Mainoo—who scored in the 2024 FA Cup final and started the Euro 2024 final for England—has not started a league game since May 11, accumulating only 171 minutes across nine substitute appearances this season.
He was an unused substitute in the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham.
Amorim defended his choices, stating he only cares about winning and puts “the best players on the pitch,” viewing Mainoo as competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes.
The coach showed frustration when repeatedly questioned about Mainoo, stating: “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].”
Sources suggest Mainoo, who blocked a summer loan move to Napoli, still feels he needs a loan to develop his career.
Other academy prospects, like defender Tyler Fredricson and forward Shea Lacey, have also seen extremely limited or no playing time.
