Ruben Amorim has intensified the conversation around Kobbie Mainoo by unexpectedly referencing three Manchester United academy graduates while defending his limited use of the England midfielder.

Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season, accumulating just 183 minutes from ten substitute appearances. The lack of consistent involvement has sparked frustration among supporters and fueled speculation that the highly rated 20-year-old could consider a January move in search of regular football.

Amorim has repeatedly acknowledged Mainoo’s talent, while stressing that the midfielder must develop attributes better suited to his 3-4-2-1 system—one that has so far offered little natural space for Mainoo’s profile.

However, ahead of United’s meeting with Bournemouth, the Portuguese coach shifted focus toward other academy products to reinforce his stance.

In explaining his approach to youth integration, Amorim cited Toby Collyer’s stalled progress at West Bromwich Albion, pointed to Harry Amass’s struggles in the Championship, and noted that Chido Obi has not secured a consistent starting role at under-21 level.

His message was blunt: academy status alone does not guarantee opportunity, and selection is dictated by circumstance, form, and performance.

Amorim insisted that any player can alter his thinking, emphasizing that training standards and match impact remain decisive.

While acknowledging Mainoo’s reduced game time, he reminded critics that opportunities were available last season and stressed that his priority remains preparing the team to win the next match—regardless of external noise.

Amorim Defends Limited Role of Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo

Despite growing uncertainty around Mainoo’s role, Amorim confirmed there have been no discussions regarding a winter departure.

Although the midfielder is believed to be open to a loan move, a similar request was blocked in the summer.

The manager made clear he would welcome a conversation should Mainoo initiate one, but reaffirmed that team interests come first.

Amorim also expressed a desire for honesty and clarity within his squad, noting that unresolved frustration benefits no one.

While he has spoken with Mainoo previously, he admitted that no dialogue has taken place specifically about a January exit.

Quiet Concern Behind the Scenes

Mainoo is not alone in finding minutes hard to come by this season—Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte face similar challenges—but his situation carries added weight due to United’s long-standing academy tradition.

The club’s 88-year record of naming at least one academy graduate in every matchday squad now largely rests on Mainoo’s availability following recent departures.

Although Amorim has publicly stated his anxiety about being the manager who ends that historic run, reports suggest internal unease over how Mainoo’s development is being handled.

The manager has also hinted that Mainoo’s English nationality amplifies scrutiny around his situation.

Amorim closed the debate by reiterating his belief in Mainoo’s quality, while underlining the tactical reality of a two-man midfield.

He argued that increased minutes would inevitably come at another player’s expense and cited Casemiro’s resurgence as proof that perseverance can alter the hierarchy.

Ultimately, Amorim’s stance remains unchanged: sentiment and expectation will not override results. If Mainoo proves he is the right option, he will play. Until then, the focus—unapologetically—stays on winning.