Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim responded firmly to questions on Friday about why England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season.

The 20-year-old has made nine substitute appearances, with his only start coming in United’s League Cup exit on penalties against fourth-tier Grimsby Town. Mainoo, a United academy graduate who featured for England in the Euro 2024 final and scored in United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City that year, remained an unused substitute as United drew 1-1 with West Ham United on Thursday.

“Of course I understand why you ask, and my job is to answer,” said the Portuguese coach ahead of Monday’s clash with bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. “But you always ask the same question. I understand what you are saying—you love Kobbie, he starts for England—but that doesn’t mean I need to play him when I feel he shouldn’t play. It’s my decision. It depends on what I see in training and what’s best for the team.”

Amorim also addressed whether the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which will take players like Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away, might create opportunities for youngsters such as Mainoo, Tyler Fredricson, and Shea Lacey.

“I just want to win,” he said. “I don’t focus on who it is. I try to put the best players on the pitch. You ask why I don’t play Lacey, but I also have internationals on the bench. I pick the players who are most prepared to help the club win at this moment.”