Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has become so integral to Ruben Amorim that it could force Kobbie Mainoo out of the club.
The Red Devils have only picked up one point from their opening two games after drawing 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United fans were disappointed at Bruno Fernandes for his display, with the Portuguese playmaker missing a crucial penalty and struggling to control the midfield battle.
Despite Fernandes’ disappointing performance, Ruben Amorim kept his captain on the pitch and his changes in midfield have raised several questions.
While Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte both spent time as Bruno Fernandes’ midfield partner, Kobbie Mainoo was kept on the bench, meaning the Carrington graduate has still not played a single minute so far this season.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes is stopping Kobbie Mainoo’s progression
After the Fulham game, Gary Neville pointed out that Mainoo is now ‘fourth choice’ under Amorim. With no European football this season, it’s difficult to see how his game time will improve.
He is competing with Fernandes for a spot in midfield, but the Portuguese playmaker has hardly missed a minute since his arrival in 2020.
In fact, since joining, Fernandes has already ended six United careers. Players who wanted to play as an attacking midfielder simply couldn’t find a way into the team ahead of him, and now history is repeating with Mainoo as the victim.
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Amorim says Mainoo is fighting for positions, but unlike other players in the squad, his competition is undroppable.
The 20-year-old midfielder will be desperate for game time so he can continue his exciting trajectory, but United keeping hold of Fernandes this summer means that Mainoo has been shoved to the side.
Kobbie Mainoo is open to leaving Man United this summer
United are expected to have a busy transfer deadline week, and the Mainoo situation is only adding to the drama.
Reports suggest Mainoo is open to leaving United this summer after falling down Amorim’s pecking order. The young midfielder could leave on loan.
However, Mainoo is still yet to sign a new contract and his current deal expires in 2027. Ineos are at risk of losing one of the club’s best academy graduates in the past decade.
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo is Ruben Amorim’s biggest criticism, but he could become his major success
Mainoo was promised a new deal but United are yet to reach a final agreement with the player’s representatives.
With games on the horizon against Grimsby Town and Burnley, Mainoo will expect to see his first minutes of the season. If not, it would not be a surprise to see him head for the exit.