Ruben Amorim has explained why Kobbie Mainoo is still searching for his first minute of gametime in the Premier League this season.
Mainoo has been a substitute in neither of United’s first two games against Arsenal or Fulham, which has infuriated Red Devils supporters.
Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire were brought on in central defense with barely minutes left by Amorim, who used all five substitutes in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage but decided against starting Mainoo.
Early in the second half, Mason Mount returned to central midfield as Matheus Cunha took Casemiro’s place, and £74 million Benjamin Sesko replaced him.
Bruno Fernandes was replaced in the role by fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte shortly after, as Mainoo was left out.
After being hired by Amorim in November of last year, the England international started 12 Premier League games. However, he was frequently left out of the starting lineup in the Europa League and only saw one minute of action in the team’s final loss to Spurs in Bilbao.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim alarmed United supporters by claiming that Mainoo is vying with captain Fernandes for a starting spot. Video from the Fulham tie showed Mainoo looking upset after being passed over.
“He is fighting for the position now with Bruno,” Amorim said.
“And I change to two midfielders, I left Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal and when I change I felt the team needs to have one holding midfielder near Bruno.
“So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno like it should be at Manchester United.”
Mainoo’s stock was on the rise after an excellent breakthrough campaign in 2023/24, scoring in the FA Cup final and performing well for England in the run to the Euro 2024 final under Gareth Southgate.
What is the latest on Mainoo’s situation?
However, Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford would seem to be in doubt after he appeared to be a valued asset and one of the first names on the teamsheet, especially because United does not have access to European competition or extra games.
Mainoo, who is admired by Bundesliga team Bayern Munich, has a contract that expires in 2027, but there hasn’t been any progress on an extension for the academy product.
When queried about Mainoo’s predicament before to the trip to Fulham, Amorim stated that the problem was with Jason Wilcox, the director of football, and restated, “He is our player.” He is bound by a contract. I was not informed of any updates on that.
Mainoo will be hoping to get his first minutes of the season on Wednesday when United take on Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Having made his debut in January 2023, Mainoo has racked up 72 appearances for United since his debut – scoring seven goals.
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