Amorim wants to preserve proud Man Utd record
Stockport-born Kobbie Mainoo was part of Manchester United's 2022 FA Youth Cup final-winning team
- Published
Manchester United have had someone from their academy in every first-team matchday squad since 1937.
That is an impressive record and one the club use to prove their commitment to youth development.
Yet Kobbie Mainoo was the only academy player in Ruben Amorim's squad for the win against Burnley immediately before the international break and the England midfielder went into the last days of the transfer window having told United he wanted a loan move away.
That request was not granted. But without Mainoo, for whatever reason, that record is in peril.
There are other players who fit the bill; including veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton and young defender Tyler Fredericson.
However, Amorim has to deliver a winning team, not maintain records.
It is a very delicate balance. Yet it seems the United boss will only wreck the record if he has no choice.
"We want to maintain it," he said. "The past of Manchester United is built on kids.
"I don't want to be the guy that breaks that."