Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has responded to suggestions that he aimed a subtle dig at Ruben Amorim after being linked with a move away from the Premier League side.
Mainoo, 20, burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 campaign and helped United win the 2024 FA Cup with a goal against Manchester City in a 2-1 final win.
However, the England international has struggled to make a positive impact due to a combination of injuries, a dip in form and lack of game time since Amorim’s appointment in November 2024.
The youngster has featured just once in the Premier League this term, coming on as a second-half substitute in United’s 3-2 win over Burnley, having not played in the previous two league matches against Arsenal and Fulham.
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Mainoo’s only start in the 2025/26 campaign was in the shock penalty shootout defeat against League Two Grimsby in the Carabao Cup second round.
And for a short period, it looked like Mainoo would be leaving United in the summer transfer window, with Napoli heading up a lengthy list of potential suitors.
It was reported by BBC Sport, that the midfielder had asked to leave Old Trafford on loan in order to play more, but his request was rebuffed by the club.
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Despite deciding against playing him regularly in recent times, Amorim insisted that he wanted “Kobbie to stay” when pressed on the topic in late August.
The Portuguese said: “He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.”
It is still unclear what role Mainoo will play throughout the rest of the 2025/26 campaign.
And despite it being the international break, Mainoo has still caused debate among United supporters after he posted a screenshot from the film ‘Whiplash’ to Instagram.
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In case you are not familiar with the movie, the plot is based on a rising star who can never seem to satisfy their mentor/coach.
Some fans have since suggested that the post was a subtle dig at Amorim.
On Instagram, fan channel The United Stand asked: “Is Mainoo's Insta post a cause for concern?”
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Mainoo then replied and simply wrote: “Stretch”.
United will return to Premier League action when they face Manchester City at the Etihad on September 14.
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Football, Transfer News, Napoli, FA Cup
Luke Davies