EPL: I prioritise team performance over player names, says Amorim

Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim and players applaud fans (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

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Manchester United head coach, Amorim, has reiterated that his focus is on winning games, insisting that player selection is based on performance and readiness rather than reputation or homegrown status.

The comments come amid growing frustration over the limited first-team opportunities for 20-year-old Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool-born academy graduate Lacey.

Mainoo, who scored in United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and started the Euro 2024 final for England, has struggled to secure a consistent place in the squad.

Lacey, meanwhile, has yet to make his senior debut despite being the only attacking option on the bench in several matches.

Asked about Mainoo’s situation, Amorim said, “Of course, I understand, and my job is to answer. But you always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying. 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. It’s my decision.”

He offered no guarantees that the situation would change even when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo leave for Africa Cup of Nations duty later this month.

“I don’t know. It depends. I’ve seen the training. If it’s the best thing for the team, I will put him in. That is the only way I know how to respond to that,” he said.

Amorim has repeatedly stressed that form and readiness take priority.

“I just want to win. I don’t look at who it is, I don’t care about that. I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch,” he added.

The situation has raised questions about United’s handling of academy talent.

Mainoo reportedly sought a loan move to Napoli over the summer to safeguard his place in England’s World Cup squad, but the transfer was blocked.

Lacey’s continued absence, especially when other attacking options have been unavailable, has fueled speculation that Amorim may not fully trust the academy to produce first-team-ready players.

Nevertheless, Amorim remained resolute. “I try to put the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment of the club, in trying to win the game. That’s the only thing,” he said.

As United struggle for consistency, fans will be watching closely to see whether Amorim adapts his approach to nurturing young talent or continues prioritising results over reputation.

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