Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has addressed criticism regarding his decision to bench Kobbie Mainoo, a 20-year-old midfielder who rose to prominence during Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford. Mainoo, an academy graduate, played 32 games for the Red Devils across all competitions in the 2023-24 season, but has seen limited playing time since Amorim’s arrival.

Amorim has faced pressure from pundits and fans who believe Mainoo should be a regular starter. However, the Portuguese manager has made it clear that he will not drop captain Bruno Fernandes to accommodate the young midfielder, as both players occupy the same position. In response to concerns about Mainoo’s playing time, Amorim stated that the young player needs to “fight for his job” and that being on the bench at 20 years old is not a negative experience.

Amorim drew on Manchester United’s history, citing examples of prominent players such as Ronaldo and Rooney who were occasionally benched. He emphasized that this is a normal part of the learning process and that no player has been guaranteed a starting spot at the club. Amorim’s comments suggest that he is adopting a tough love approach to Mainoo’s development, encouraging the young player to earn his place in the starting lineup rather than being handed it.

The situation has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some arguing that Mainoo’s talent and potential warrant more regular playing time. Others have defended Amorim’s approach, citing the need for young players to learn from experienced teammates and adapt to the demands of top-level football. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Mainoo responds to the challenge set by Amorim and whether he can establish himself as a key player in the Manchester United squad.