Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim isn’t backing down on his stance to play Kobbie Mainoo when he doesn’t need to.
His comment further complicates the relationship between Amorim and the England international who is running out of time to get consistent playing time to improve his chances of making it to the England National Men’s Football Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mainoo starred for England at the 2024 Euros but has fallen out of favour at Man United particularly under Amorim. Mainoo was an unused substitute in Man United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United on December 4.
Addressing the issue at a press conference, Amorim defended his decision on Mainoo who is in line to leave Man United during the January transfer window.
“Of course I understand [Kobbie Mainoo is homegrown] and my job is to answer [your question] but I’m trying always the same thing and you [journalists] ask me always the same thing.”
Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo made his England debut against Brazil Photo Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
“I understand…you love Kobbie, he starts for England but that doesn’t mean I have to put Kobbie [on] when I feel that I shouldn’t. It’s my decision” Amorim said.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo (left) battle for possession of the ball wiith Grimsby Town’s Charles Vernam during the Carabao Cup second round match (Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images)
