Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reluctant to use Kobbie Mainoo because the academy graduate does not involve himself enough in games, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.
He claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ bi-weekly newsletter today that the speed of the Man United midfielder is another reason he has yet to feature this term.
Mainoo was left on the bench when Arsenal defeated the Red Devils in their first Premier League game of 2025-26, and he was also not looked at against Fulham yesterday.
There are reports that the 20-year-old could be sold before deadline day if Man United receive a big offer, and it does not appear Amorim has plans for him this term.
“Speed has also been an issue with the reluctance to use Kobbie Mainoo,” Delaney wrote.
“Alongside concerns about how he doesn’t involve himself enough in games.
“Or, as one source put it, “five minutes of brilliance and 15 minutes of nothing”.”
Amorim went for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield against Fulham, but the duo were unable to influence the proceedings.
Alex Iwobi revealed afterwards that the Craven Cottage club “knew that we would be able to get behind their two midfielders”.
Mainoo would not have been able to control the tempo of the game either, and it would not be surprising if the Old Trafford club decide to cash in on him.
They have plans to sign both Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, and the youngster will further struggle for playing minutes should that happen.
Mainoo does not fit into the system of Amorim, and he could be on his way out this summer or in January if nothing has changed about his style of play.
The Portuguese does not have plans to change how the Red Devils play anytime soon, and those who cannot adapt may need to leave.