Ruben Amorim explains why Kobbie Mainoo hasn't played a single minute so far this season
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 an unused substitute in both of United's opening two fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham, with his lack of minutes angering fans of the Red Devils.
Amorim used all five substitutes in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage but elected against introducing Mainoo - instead bringing on both Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven in central defence with just minutes remaining.
When £74 million Benjamin Sesko came on for Casemiro early in the second half, Mason Mount dropped back into central midfield as Matheus Cunha moved into the No.10 position.
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Not long after fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte also came on, partnering Bruno Fernandes in the position as Mainoo was overlooked.
The England international started 12 Premier League games under Amorim following his appointment in November last season but was often out of the starting XI in the Europa League and played just a single minute in the final defeat to Spurs in Bilbao.
After the Fulham draw, footage showed Mainoo looking dejected after being snubbed and in his post-match press conference, Amorim worried United supporters by stating that Mainoo is competing with captain Fernandes for a starting position.
"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?
But after looking like a prized asset and one of the first names on the teamsheet, Mainoo's future at Old Trafford would appear to up in the air - particularly with United not having European football and extra games to play.
Admired by Bundesliga side Bayern Munich, Mainoo has a contract which runs until 2027 but there has been a lack of movement over an extension for the academy product.
Ahead of the trip to Fulham, Amorim was asked about Mainoo's situation but said the issue was with director of football Jason Wilcox and reiterated, "He is our player. He has a contract. I didn’t hear any news about 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.
Topics: Ruben Amorim, Kobbie Mainoo, Premier League, Man Utd
Josh Lawless