Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim has sparked debate over whether he trusts the club's academy by opting to start more established players in recent games.
Despite being given an opportunity to debut against West Ham, 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench. The young player, who has been at the club since he was six and has made just one start this season, seems unfazed by his omission.
When asked if he trusts the academy, Amorim responded with a straight forward answer: "Why not? We have Kobbie Mainoo." His response suggests that Mainoo is a trusted player in his eyes, but it raises questions over why other players, such as international internationals, are preferred.
Amorim's reasoning for choosing established players over youngsters is rooted in the need to perform at their best. The manager cited examples of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, who have played alongside Mainoo on the team sheet despite having limited playing time this season.
However, there does appear to be an opportunity for Mainoo to prove himself further when Casemiro is ruled out through injury. Amorim stated that he will only consider starting Mainoo if it is deemed the best thing for the team in training.
Despite the promise of a chance to break into the first team, Mainoo's disappointment at being left on the bench may be down to the manager's other priorities. The Cameroonian duo Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are set to join their respective international teams for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21st.
Amorim's focus remains on the next game against Wolves on Monday, with the mandatory release date for the tournament players being December 15th. As the head coach navigates this period of change and uncertainty, Mainoo will be waiting in the wings to showcase his skills and convince Amorim that he is ready to take his place in the starting lineup.
Despite being given an opportunity to debut against West Ham, 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench. The young player, who has been at the club since he was six and has made just one start this season, seems unfazed by his omission.
When asked if he trusts the academy, Amorim responded with a straight forward answer: "Why not? We have Kobbie Mainoo." His response suggests that Mainoo is a trusted player in his eyes, but it raises questions over why other players, such as international internationals, are preferred.
Amorim's reasoning for choosing established players over youngsters is rooted in the need to perform at their best. The manager cited examples of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes, who have played alongside Mainoo on the team sheet despite having limited playing time this season.
However, there does appear to be an opportunity for Mainoo to prove himself further when Casemiro is ruled out through injury. Amorim stated that he will only consider starting Mainoo if it is deemed the best thing for the team in training.
Despite the promise of a chance to break into the first team, Mainoo's disappointment at being left on the bench may be down to the manager's other priorities. The Cameroonian duo Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are set to join their respective international teams for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21st.
Amorim's focus remains on the next game against Wolves on Monday, with the mandatory release date for the tournament players being December 15th. As the head coach navigates this period of change and uncertainty, Mainoo will be waiting in the wings to showcase his skills and convince Amorim that he is ready to take his place in the starting lineup.
. mainoo's got potential but he needs 2 prove himself, and casemiro's injury is a blessin in disguise cuz now he gets a chance 
. u can't rush growth, and let's be real, fernandes & ugarte r not exactly youngsters either 
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... Ruben Amorim's just placin' all these top players ahead of Kobbie Mainoo and it's like, what's the plan here? 
Is Mainoo really that good or is he just gettin' left out because the manager don't wanna deal with all the pressure comin' from the parents and the fans? 
But you know what would be a nice twist? If Mainoo comes in and absolutely nails the game against Wolves on Monday... then we can say maybe Amorim knows what he's doin' after all 
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. The reliance on international internationals like Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes suggests that experience and proven track records take precedence over potential and raw talent 
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. However, this approach may not provide the necessary long-term sustainability and could stifle the growth of talented youngsters like Mainoo 
. Amorim's cautious approach, stating that he will only consider starting Mainoo if it is deemed the best thing for the team, highlights the delicate balance between promoting youth and maintaining competitiveness 
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