MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insists he will not bow to pressure to offload Kobbie Mainoo, who appears unhappy at Old Trafford.
Mainoo, 20, has only started one game this season – in the League Cup defeat against Grimsby in August, while making nine Premier League appearances as a substitute.
The academy player was also an unused substitute when United drew 1-1 with West Ham on Thursday, with Amorim selecting Lisandro Martinez as a late substitute in the game to chase a win.
This situation has given rise to speculation about the future of Mainoo, who was previously rejected to join Napoli on loan last summer.
He is expected to make another attempt in the January transfer window to regain a place in England’s squad ahead of the World Cup.
Former United player Paul Scholes criticized Amorim’s approach, describing him as “stupid” as Mainoo was left out of a team seen as failing to control the game.
However, Amorim emphasized that the decision to field players depends on merit and achievements on the field.
“I understand what you’re saying. You love Kobbie. He plays for England, but that doesn’t mean I need to play him if I don’t think he’s suitable,” said Amorim.
The United manager added that Mainoo is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the middle of the pitch, while Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are more defensive options to partner him.
Amorim also understood Mainoo’s disappointment: “I see it. I understand. I just want to win. I don’t care who the players are, I try to field the best players on the field.”
This turmoil comes as United have won just one of their last five games, once again failing to capitalise on their chance to finish in the top four.
United play Wolves at Molineux on Monday, and Amorim warned that they should not be caught out by a team that is yet to win in the league this season.
“Everything can happen and things will change. There is no team in the history of the Premier League that has not won a game.
“So we need to improve performance, give players a break and be prepared for tough matches,” he said.