Ruben Amorim explained his decision to keep Kobbie Mainoo on the bench during Manchester United’s draw with West Ham. Despite the team dropping points, Amorim utilized all five substitutions, aiming to secure the win.
According to a report from The Mirror, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim defended his choice to keep Kobbie Mainoo on the bench as an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with West Ham, a result where the Red Devils squandered their lead.
Amorim used all five of his substitutions in the match—including Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, and Lisandro Martinez—but Mainoo was overlooked, marking the fourth time this Premier League season he has been an unused sub, having not started a game since the penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup in August.
When questioned on whether he regretted his substitution choices, the United boss was firm in his reply, saying:
“No, we are losing because of the second balls, sometimes it’s not more men in front that you are going to win the ball. We had more men to put in the offence? Who? Who would be more offensive?”
When Mainoo’s name was suggested as an attacking option, Amorim laughed and replied:
“Yes, it was the second ball and I was worried with Matheus, I know Bruno [Fernandes] reached the box really well, Mason Mount is playing in his position, they were trying to push us, Bryan [Mbeumo] has a lot of pace to try to win the ball in one transition, so that was my idea.”
Amorim went on to address the media focus on the young player, emphasizing the importance of the collective squad:
“You talk a lot of about Kobbie. I have more players in my squad that want to be in the World Cup, so it’s a little bit unfair.
I put Kobbie [in on Monday] because he’s really good near the box, to have a guy like Bruno and him, they can find spaces near the box and score goals.
So that was my idea. So, I will use Kobbie and the rest of them to try for the team to win. So, I’m not just focused on one individual.”