Boss wants 'best guys' so Mainoo not picked yet

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim does not believe that Kobbie Mainoo is in a position to start matches, the Portuguese said when he was asked why the midfielder has yet to start an English Premier League match this season.

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The 20-year-old has appeared nine times as a substitute, while his only start this season came as the Red Devils were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

United academy graduate Mainoo, who played for England in the UEFA Euro 2024 final and scored in United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City that year, was an unused substitute as United could only draw 1-1 with West Ham United on Dec 4.

“Of course I understand (why you ask me), and my job is to answer,” said Amorim, whose side visit bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on Dec 8.

“But you always ask me the same thing. 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.