Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United appears uncertain after manager Ruben Amorim admitted the young midfielder is currently competing with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the starting XI.
The 20-year-old England international has yet to play this season, missing United’s opening-day defeat to Arsenal and Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Mainoo was left on the bench at Craven Cottage even as United pushed for a late winner after Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe cancelled out an own goal by Rodrigo Muniz.
Instead of turning to Mainoo, Amorim made attacking changes by introducing Benjamin Sesko for Casemiro, moving Mason Mount who started up front back into midfield. Later, Mount was replaced by Manuel Ugarte, with defenders Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven brought on during the closing stages.
Although Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty, his role in the starting XI remains secure. Mainoo may have to settle for a League Cup appearance against Grimsby on Wednesday as his immediate opportunity for game time.
“He is fighting for the position now with Bruno,” Amorim said. “I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we wanted to score a goal.
And then when I changed it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder. So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United.”
Mainoo, once tipped as one of United’s brightest young talents, faces a challenging path to regular first-team football under Amorim’s system.
