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Ruben Amorim: Manchester United boss defends record with academy graduates despite lack of minutes for Kobbie Mainoo

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‘We are really inconsistent’ – Amorim frustrated by West Ham draw

Video credit: SNTV

Ruben Amorim launched a staunch defence of his decision not to start any players from Manchester United’s academy in the Premier League so far this season ahead of his side’s clash with Wolves at Molineux on Monday.
Kobbie Mainoo is the United academy graduate with the most minutes at this stage of the 2025/26 campaign, having made 10 appearances for The Red Devils, including a rare start in their defeat against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Tyler Fredricson also started against The Mariners, but has not played for the first team since, while Jack Fletcher was named on the bench for the 2-2 draw against Tottenham in the Premier League.
Youngster Ayden Heaven did start in United’s 1-1 draw against Sunderland, but the defender came through Arsenal’s academy before moving to Old Trafford in early 2025.

Amorim said that he wants to put the best players on the pitch, and insisted that he should not start Mainoo just because he plays for England.

“I just want to win,” Amorim told reporters at his press conference. “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.”

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Amorim ‘frustrated and angry’ after Man Utd held to draw against West Ham

Video credit: SNTV

“But you always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying. 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.”

Amorim has put Shea Lacey on the bench for United’s last three Premier League fixtures, but the 18-year-old is yet to feature in a match.

The Portuguese coach believes he is only doing what is best for the team.

He added: “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 (on) the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment of the club, in trying to win the game. That’s the only thing.”

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Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January, with Serie A champions Napoli reportedly interested in securing his signature.

The Africa Cup of Nations will get underway on December 21, with United stars Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo both set to be involved.

He refused to comment on whether the tournament would impact his team selection in the weeks ahead.

“I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said. “It’s the same question. I don’t know what is going to happen. It depends.

“I’ve seen the training. If it’s the best thing for the team, I will put (him in). That is the only way I know how to respond to that.”

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