Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo faces an uncertain future under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo recently shared a series of pictures in which he could be seen working hard in the gym.
He also included a photograph from the acclaimed film Whiplash, showing Andrew Neiman smashing through his drum kit.
Many interpreted this as a metaphor for Mainoo’s growing frustration at the lack of regular minutes.
The academy graduate has now cooled the speculation with a sharp one-word Instagram comment.
Fan page ‘The United Stand’ posted a video discussing whether Mainoo is sending signals through his social media account.
The 20-year-old replied to the post with the comment “stretch” shutting down any theories that had emerged from his pictures as inaccurate.
Mainoo expressed his desire to leave the Red Devils on loan in the last week of the summer window.
The club swiftly rejected his wish as they want him to fight for his place.
The young midfielder sought a temporary exit after not starting in any of the three Premier League games this season.
He was named in the starting XI only for the Carabao Cup second-round tie against Grimsby.
When asked about Mainoo’s situation, Amorim revealed that the youngster is in direct competition with captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese coach views Mainoo as more of an attacking midfielder, rather than a deep-lying option.
The England international possesses flair and thrives in tight spaces.
United must ensure that Amorim gives the youngster ample time to refine his skills.
Mainoo’s comments clearly show that the love is not completely lost and the wonder kid is working hard to get back into XI.