Ruben Amorim hasn't put the question marks surrounding Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United future to rest with his comments after the Red Devils' 1-1 draw against Fulham. The Premier League clash marked the second time already this season that the English youngster failed to make it onto the pitch.
Captain Bruno Fernandes skied a penalty in the first half after a lively start from the visitors, before an unfortunate Rodrigo Muniz own goal silenced Craven Cottage in the second period. The hosts battled hard to earn a much-deserved draw, as Emile Smith Rowe found a way past Altay Bayindir with his first touch after being introduced.
Despite United dropping off in the last 30 minutes in particular, Amorim opted against bringing Mainoo on to add energy to his midfield. Instead, the Portuguese tactician called on Manuel Ugarte to try and shore things up in the middle of the park.
Ruben Amorim Explains Kobbie Mainoo Snub vs Fulham
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When asked about why Mainoo was left on the bench against Fulham - as well as the opening day clash vs Arsenal - Amorim delivered a blunt response. Warning the United academy graduate that he has extremely tough competition for a place in the XI, the 40-year-old boss stated (per The Mirror):
"Mainoo is fighting for his position with Bruno. I changed two midfielders, I left Mason Mount there because we wanted to score a goal and when I changed, I felt the team needed one holding midfielder.
"So he needs to fight for his position with Bruno. At the moment he is fighting in training with Bruno for the position."
Mainoo, 20, was a firm favourite under old manager Erik ten Hag after bursting onto the scene as a teenager. He was again an outstanding performer at international level when England reached the Euro 2024 final.
Despite his status as one of the world's best young players, the Englishman appears to be out of favour with his Old Trafford boss, and is unlikely to dislodge captain Fernandes from his starting berth any time soon. Many supporters were already concerned after Mainoo's omission against the Gunners last Sunday, but will be even more so now after yet another minuteless game.
A home match against Burnley is next on the agenda for the Manchester-based outfit, who have only accumulated one point from a possible six. If Amorim leaves the talented midfielder out yet again, alarm bells will be ringing for everyone involved - and Mainoo's future may become an even bigger talking point.