No excuses left: Amorim now has the perfect opportunity to unleash 20yo Man Utd star vs West Ham
Manchester United are gearing up to host West Ham United in a crucial Premier League clash on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils arrive with renewed confidence after grinding out a spirited 2–1 comeback win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount turned the tide after Jean-Philippe Mateta put Palace ahead from the spot.
The fiercely fought contest would have drained most United players, especially in a season where they are no longer used to playing mid-week games due to the absence of European football.
The upcoming Thursday night fixture opens the door for fringe players hungry to prove a point.
One player who deserves more minutes is Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo has yet to start in a Premier League game in the 2025-26 season.
He has been limited to just 171 minutes across nine league appearances, a shockingly low tally for a player of his calibre.
This surely feels like the ideal moment for manager Ruben Amorim to reward the youngster’s patience and professionalism.
The 20-year-old was introduced in the 90th minute against Palace and understandably showed little enthusiasm.
Mainoo is a generational talent but he has lost his starting berth at United and in the England squad.
Amorim believes the United academy graduate is more suited to a number eight role, a position held by club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Casemiro completed the full 90 minutes at Selhurst Park.
Expecting the 33-year-old to deliver another high-intensity performance just four days later would be pushing him beyond reasonable limits.
Mainoo should be drafted into the United XI in place of Casemiro to give the Brazil international a breather.
West Ham are already struggling for rhythm this season and now face the added blow of losing Lucas Paqueta.
Mainoo’s inclusion will show an attack-minded approach from Amorim, exactly what is required against a side desperately fighting to climb out of relegation danger.
Stats from Fotmob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .