Former England striker Gary Lineker has criticised Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, calling him “very stubborn” over his handling of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Lineker voiced his concerns after United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, where Mainoo was only introduced from the bench. Goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland sealed a comfortable win for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad.

Mainoo, who had a breakthrough season under former manager Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign, has not started a single Premier League game this season under Amorim.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker questioned the manager’s decision:

“I don’t think he [Amorim] is going to change his system now. He has been very stubborn so far, why change now?

It really worries me the way Kobbie Mainoo has been kind of dismissed. Such an incredible, young talent, a local boy as well doing really well.

I thought when he came on [against City] he did really quite well. I don’t get it… it’s slightly baffling to me.”

The 19-year-old’s limited role this season has left many fans and pundits puzzled, with calls growing for Amorim to give him a bigger part in United’s midfield plans.