Golden Manchester United rule at risk of being broken as Ruben Amorim faces £50m fight

Golden Manchester United rule at risk of being broken as Ruben Amorim faces £50m fight

Manchester United have included an academy graduate in every first-team squad for almost 90 years, but that record is now under threat with Kobbie Mainoo being linked with a move

Ruben Amorim could be the manager who breaks a long-standing Manchester United record (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim could be on the brink of leaving himself powerless to avoid breaking a golden rule at Manchester United that has lasted almost 90 years.

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Woven into the fabric of the Red Devils’ history and club culture is the production line of academy talents into the first team. Following a countless list of names beforehand, the Class of '92 remains the most famous group of players to have made this transition, going on to leave an indelible mark on English football.

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Even in the years following United’s golden era, England internationals such as Danny Welbeck, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have proven that Carrington continues to produce top-tier young talent.

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That, in turn, has allowed United to uphold an impressive tradition envied by rival clubs by including an academy graduate in every first-team squad since October 1937. However, that record now seems under threat with Amorim fast running out of young stars ready for first-term football.

With Rashford's transfer to Barcelona, Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea and the retirement of veteran Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo is one of the only remaining players in the current squad who came through the academy, alongside Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson. Mainoo was the only one of these to feature in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Burnley.

But even the 20-year-old could now be on his way out, with the midfielder far down Amorim's pecking order. Mainoo was once considered a key part of United's future due to his performances over the last two seasons.

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The youngster quickly racked up a remarkable collection of wonder goals and earned his England debut just over a year ago. He also claimed the man of the match award in United's FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City in 2024, where he scored the decisive goal.

But under Amorim, Mainoo has only started 16 matches over the past two seasons. After being benched for two consecutive Premier League games, Mainoo finally saw action in Wednesday's EFL Cup penalty shootout loss at Grimsby.

Before coming on as a half-time substitute in the victory over Burnley, he hadn't played a single minute of Premier League football this season. This has understandably led to a sense of frustration on the youngster’s part.

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Recent reports suggested that Serie A champions Napoli are keen to offer the £50million-rated Mainoo a four-year contract. Having seen former United team-mate Scott McTominay make the same move a year ago and achieve great success, Mainoo reportedly informed United bosses of his desire to go out on loan while some reports claimed he'd be open to a permanent move ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United future is somewhat up in the air ahead of deadline day (Image: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images)

Despite talks over an extension to his current contract reaching a standstill, United decided to block his move to Serie A. Amorim has also been outspoken about his wish for Mainoo to stay and compete for his place in the squad, showing his reluctance to let go of the team's last senior academy graduate, but could face a fight to convince him to stay.

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The Portuguese said in his press conference ahead of the clash with Burnley: "I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place. And we need Kobbie, so that is not going to change.

“I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed. Everyone will have the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week."

While some supporters have voiced concern on social media about United's long-standing tradition potentially ending, others remain unbothered, believing the squad's performance is the most important thing.

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Should Mainoo get his last-minute move to Napoli, United would still have veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton within their ranks to select for the matchday squad and preserve the tradition.

But the 39-year-old, who turned out for the academy between 2002 and 2005, currently sits behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir in the pecking order, whilst United are pursuing a late deal for either Emi Martinez or Senne Lammens. That means the record is likely to be broken if Mainoo were to depart, unless a new academy starlet suddenly emerges.

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