Mainoo, once hailed as the brightest academy product of his generation and a standout performer in last season’s FA Cup final and Euro 2024 for England, has not started a single Premier League match under Amorim this campaign. His prolonged absence from the starting XI has become one of the biggest talking points of United’s turbulent season, with many labelling the situation “inexplicable”.

The issue erupted further this week when Paul Scholes slammed Amorim’s explanation that Mainoo was being treated “like any other squad member”, calling the manager’s comments “bull****” and warning the youngster’s career was being mishandled.

“The kid is being ruined in a team that can’t control a game,” Scholes posted on social media. “Enough is enough.”

His words echoed the frustration of many United fans, who have been left bewildered as the 20 year old once central to United’s midfield rebuild now finds himself behind new signings and out-of-form veterans.

Speaking ahead of United’s trip to Wolves on Monday night, a visibly irritated Amorim doubled down on his stance, refusing to bow to pressure.

“You always ask me the same thing,” he snapped. “You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that doesn’t mean I need to put Kobbie in the team when I feel I shouldn’t.

“I just want to win. I put the best players on the pitch. I don’t care who it is.”

Amorim insists that Mainoo’s training levels not public popularity dictate his opportunities. He highlighted the form and consistency of Bruno Fernandes as a key factor, while noting that Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have also been rotated based on need, not reputation.

Critics argue Amorim’s tactical rigidity is preventing him from accommodating a generational talent. With United struggling to control matches and lacking composure in midfield, many believe Mainoo’s calmness in possession and intelligence between the lines could be part of the solution.

Yet the manager remains unmoved, maintaining that Mainoo’s limited minutes reflect performance, not prejudice.

Asked whether the midfielder might be discouraged by his lack of involvement, Amorim’s response was blunt:

“I see it. I see everything. But if I don’t think it’s the best thing for the team, I won’t do it.”

United are days away from losing Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo to AFCON duty deployments that will stretch the squad and potentially leave openings in midfield and wide areas.

Will that finally give Mainoo a route back into the lineup? “I don’t know,” Amorim sighed. “It depends on training. That is the only thing that decides.”

The scrutiny comes after United conceded a late equaliser against West Ham, prompting boos albeit muted from the Old Trafford crowd. Amorim has won only eight of his 20 home league games and now faces Wolves, a team who have not won a single Premier League match this season.

Despite Wolves’ historic struggles, Amorim warned against complacency. “There is no team in Premier League history that didn’t win a single game all season,” he said. “It can happen any time. And with us, it’s always a tough match.”

With Mainoo reportedly growing frustrated and speculation rising over a possible January exit, Amorim’s handling of the youngster threatens to become a defining storyline of United’s season and perhaps his own tenure.

If results continue to falter while one of England’s brightest prospects remains rooted to the bench, the calls for change will only grow louder.