Kobbie Mainoo has sent a clear message to Ruben Amorim after he was left out of the England squad by Thomas Tuchel just days after requesting to leave Manchester United
09:16, 04 Sep 2025
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo is frustrated with his opportunities at Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo has demonstrated to Ruben Amorim that he's not taking it easy this week, despite missing out on an Old Trafford exit and a call-up to the England squad.
Mainoo's future at United currently hangs in the balance after he requested a loan move away from the club last week. However, the Reds responded with defiance, with Amorim keen to retain the young player.
As the transfer window closed on Monday, it became clear that the 20-year-old wouldn't be leaving Old Trafford and will remain a United player until at least January. Mainoo's desire to leave stems from his limited playing time so far this season.
Despite United's frustrating performances this season, Mainoo has found game time hard to come by.
The departure of his close friend Alejandro Garnacho may have also prompted him to question his role within the United team.
Kobbie Mainoo conducts an extra training session during the international break
Kobbie Mainoo conducts an extra training session during the international break
While some players might become difficult after failing to secure a move away at the end of the transfer window, Mainoo seems determined to keep his head down and fight for a place in the starting line-up.
Sharing a post from a training session at Hale Country Club, Mainoo appears eager to maintain his fitness levels ahead of the Premier League's return.
Having missed out on an England call-up, Mainoo will have a lighter schedule this week before ramping up preparations next week ahead of the Manchester derby. Whether this effort will earn him a starting spot against Manchester City remains to be seen.
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At present, Ruben Amorim said Mainoo would be vying with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the starting lineup, which might explain why he hasn't been getting as much game time as he'd like.
The coming four months will reveal whether Mainoo will once again make the tough call to request a departure or not.
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The 20-year-old was an unused substitute in both of United's opening two Premier League games before being introduced at half-time of the 3-2 win against Burnley.