Ruben Amorim has defended his decision to leave Kobbie Mainoo on the bench during Manchester United’s 1–1 draw with West Ham, insisting he did not have the right attacking options available late in the game.
Amorim stands by his substitutions
Manchester United took the lead in the second half when Diogo Dalot finished confidently from close range. However, the advantage did not last, as West Ham equalised seven minutes before full time, forcing United to settle for a point.
Amorim used all five substitutions during the match. Leny Yoro replaced Ayden Heaven at half-time, while Dalot was later withdrawn for Patrick Dorgu. Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount came on for Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee, and in the final minutes Luke Shaw was replaced by Lisandro Martinez.
Despite calls for a more attacking change, Mainoo remained unused. He has now been an unused substitute for the fourth time in the league this season and has not started a match since August.
“More attackers wouldn’t solve the problem”
Amorim rejected suggestions that he should have made more offensive substitutions. He explained that the key issue was winning second balls rather than adding extra players in attack. According to him, simply pushing more players forward would not have improved control of the game.
He also explained that balance was a concern, as West Ham were pressing and looking to exploit transitions. With midfielders already making forward runs and opponents threatening with pace, Amorim felt defensive stability was necessary.
United still struggling to close out games
The United manager admitted that his side continues to struggle with protecting leads. He acknowledged that even when United are ahead by a comfortable margin, there is a sense of uncertainty, highlighting a lack of consistency and control.
The draw leaves Manchester United in eighth place in the league, with 22 points from 14 matches, sitting two points outside the top four.