Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has said that Kobbie Mainoo has yet to start any game so far this season because he is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the team. He recently revealed that the academy graduate is currently behind Bruno in the pecking order.
Speaking to the press, Amorim shared that the youngster will need to fight for the opportunity to start ahead of the club captain in the coming weeks.
According to him, competing for spots should be the norm at a club like Manchester United, so it can’t be a strange expectation for Kobbie.
“No, he is fighting for the position now with Bruno (Fernandes). And I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal. And then when I change it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder.
So he (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United,” he said.
Mainoo enjoyed a remarkable rise after first emerging through United’s academy in 2023.
The Stockport-born midfielder made 32 appearances in all competitions in 2023-24, scoring the winner as his side lifted the FA Cup that season under former manager Erik ten Hag, before going on to help England reach the final of the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
Amorim could shuffle his team and hand Mainoo a start when United travel to League Two side Grimsby Town in the second round of the League Cup on Wednesday.
Manchester United will then take on Burnley in the Premier League at Old Trafford on August 30.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate