The situation around Kobbie Mainoo this week is one which is deeply concerning to Manchester United supporters.
Youth. Courage. Success. Manchester United as an institution and football club is built on the back of these three words.
From United’s Busby Babes under the management of Sir Matt Busby in the 1950s to the famous Class of 92′ in the 1990s which sparked the greatness under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The links between academy and first-team has always been something the club prides itself on, however, the start of this season has seen fans concerned with not a single minute for an academy player after two games.
In particular this has been a concern around Kobbie Mainoo, as the 20-year-old has been almost forgotten by Ruben Amorim.
As a result of this, now Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United due to a lack of minutes this season which is no doubt a big concern.
Kobbie Mainoo warms up wearing green Adidas bib.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim already told Kobbie Mainoo that minutes would be limited this season
With Mainoo not playing a minute after two games, it would be safe to assume that the United academy graduate would want to leave.
Danny Simpson has suggested United offer Mainoo on loan in a Carlos Baleba deal, however, this won’t be what the Red Devils want to see.
More United News
Looking back to pre-season, Amorim seemed to warn Mainoo that minutes this coming campaign would be difficult to come by.
Speaking in response to a question in a press conference, about his plans for Mainoo during the 2025/26 season, Amorim warned the midfielder of competition.
“I think he can play in both positions in the midfield”, Amorim began. “Last year he played more in front, I think his perfect position is more near the ball, always with the ball.
“I think he’s a big talent, you guys know better than me that he’s a big talent. I think he needs to increase the rhythm, the pace.
“I’m always on top of that with Kobbie, because he’s so good sometimes, but he can be better.”
Amorim then shared his warning.
“I have big plans [for Mainoo], but like I said, one game per week, the competition is going to be huge and everybody has to be prepared to play one game or play all the games. That is a key point in our season.”
🗣️ “I have big plans, but again, like I said, one game per week, the competition is going to be huge…”
A reminder of Ruben Amorim’s response to @AdamMcKola’s question in July on his plans for Kobbie Mainoo this season 🧐#MUFC
pic.twitter.com/xWAPRJCt0S
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) August 26, 2025
View Tweet
Mainoo will know that his minutes as a starter would be limited this season, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order, but to not get a single minute is ridiculous.
Fernandes was very poor against Fulham, with Amorim even admitting his captain was off his game, yet he still didn’t turn to Mainoo.
Amorim playing with fire with Mainoo treatment at Manchester United
There is every chance that Amorim realises the error of his ways and Mainoo gets minutes going forward, but there is no avoiding that the head coach is playing with fire.
Amorim hasn’t given any United academy graduate minutes this season, which is very anti the United way.
United fans are pretty unanimously in agreement that Mainoo deserves better and these are not sympathy minutes we are arguing for, but he would seriously improve the midfield for the Red Devils.
Rio Ferdinand has argued Mainoo should be built around and his talent certainly warrants being treated in this regard.
With Mainoo in midfield, United would be able to control games better and therefore lead to more defensive solidity and also more chances going forward.
Losing Mainoo might be an irreversible blow to Amorim’s popularity at United among fans, and so he needs to think very carefully before allowing the midfielder to depart.