Ruben Amorim has offered a strong defense of Manchester United’s academy, using the inclusion of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the matchday squad as evidence of his faith in the club’s youth development system. Despite limited playing time this season, Mainoo’s presence underlines Amorim’s willingness to give opportunities to homegrown talent.
Mainoo, who has been part of Manchester United since the age of six, was an unused substitute during Thursday’s 1-1 draw at home against West Ham United. While he has featured in 10 matches this season, the 20-year-old has only started once, in the Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby Town. His limited minutes have led to questions about whether young players like him are truly trusted at the senior level.
When asked directly about his confidence in the academy, Amorim pointed to Mainoo’s inclusion as proof. “Why [ask]? We have Kobbie Mainoo,” he responded. The head coach also acknowledged Mainoo’s possible frustration at not seeing more time on the pitch. “I see it. I see it and I just want to win. I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I just try to put the best players on the pitch. You have [Manuel] Ugarte that played two games [in the league], one of them [when] Casemiro was out. Bruno [Fernandes] is always fit, he’s the guy that is doing his [Mainoo’s] position so maybe it has to do with that.”
This candid response illustrates Amorim’s pragmatic approach to squad selection. While fans and pundits may sometimes expect younger players to be prioritized purely based on potential, the coach emphasizes performance, readiness, and tactical fit over age or reputation. Mainoo’s current lack of starts, then, is not necessarily a reflection of the coach’s faith in him but a reflection of the competitive nature of the squad.
The discussion around youth opportunities also turned to forward Shea Lacey, the 18-year-old who has been named in the past three matchday squads but has yet to make his debut. Amorim explained his reasoning for favoring more experienced options. “When Bryan [Mbeumo] is not there I put Amad [Diallo] because I have other wingbacks to play and sometimes it’s hard. You are asking me why don’t I put Lacey to play when I have other guys that are internationals and they are also on the bench, so I try to put the best-prepared guys for this moment.”
Amorim’s comments underline a key challenge for young players breaking into top-level football: even talented individuals must often wait for the right circumstances to emerge. While it may appear that the academy is underutilized, the reality is that the coach must balance player development with the team’s immediate competitive needs.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will face a temporary shortage in attacking options due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Both Mbeumo and Diallo, the Cameroonian and Ivorian internationals respectively, are set to join their national squads for the tournament. This situation could potentially open doors for younger players like Mainoo to gain more minutes in first-team action.
Fernandes, who has been consistent in the No. 10 role, provides additional flexibility for Amorim. Asked if this could create a chance for Mainoo, the coach remained cautiously optimistic. “It depends,” he said. “If I see in the training it is the best thing, I will put him in.”
The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to begin on 21 December in Morocco. However, Amorim indicated that he is currently focused on the immediate fixtures rather than planning around the tournament. “They are going to play the next game and that is the only thing I care about,” he said, referring to Monday’s home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The mandatory release date for players participating in the competition is 15 December, when Manchester United host Bournemouth. This means that while Mbeumo and Diallo’s absence is imminent, the team has several crucial matches to navigate before then.
Amorim’s overall message is clear: while young talent is given opportunities, selection is ultimately based on readiness and the tactical needs of the team. This approach is a balancing act, ensuring that promising players like Mainoo are nurtured and integrated into the squad gradually, rather than thrust into situations for which they may not be fully prepared.
Mainoo’s development pathway is emblematic of Manchester United’s broader approach to academy players under Amorim. By including him in the squad, even without guaranteed playing time, the coach signals that the club’s youth products are valued and observed closely. For fans and observers, it is a reminder that breaking into a top-tier squad is as much about timing and context as it is about raw talent.
The situation also serves as a case study for other young players in elite academies: patience, dedication, and consistent performance in training are critical. Opportunities may arise suddenly, particularly during periods when senior internationals are unavailable, and those prepared to seize these moments can accelerate their path into regular first-team action.
In the meantime, Amorim remains focused on balancing competitive success with player development. Mainoo, Lacey, and other emerging talents are being monitored carefully, and their inclusion in squads signals that the coach is invested in integrating academy prospects without compromising the team’s immediate objectives.
As the season progresses, attention will likely turn to how these young players are utilized during periods of fixture congestion or when senior stars are absent. For now, Amorim’s statements make it clear: talent is recognized, opportunities are provided, and decisions are grounded in performance, preparation, and the ultimate goal of winning matches.
