Man Utd face Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night and here is the team news.
Ruben Amorim has urged Kobbie Mainoo to 'fight for his place' at Manchester United amid continued uncertainty surrounding his future. The 20-year-old was named in the United starting line up for their trip to face Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night.
Mainoo did not feature for United across either of their two opening Premier League matches of the season but was one of eight changes to the starting line up in midweek. The United academy graduate was selected to partner Manuel Ugarte in midfield, while Andre Onana returned in goal for his first appearance of the season as well.
The decision to start Mainoo came just hours after it was revealed he was considering his future at the club after a reduced role under Amorim. It is understood Mainoo has even discussed a possible transfer exit with his teammates, and that a sale has been considered throughout the summer transfer window. United sources insist Mainoo is not being forced out of the club, and they still expect him to be at the club beyond the European transfer deadline next week.
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Mainoo will need assurances over his playing time and role in the squad if he is to remain at United and even possibly sign a new contract, though Amorim insists he has a lot of faith in the young midfielder.
Speaking ahead of the Grimsby clash, Amorim explained his starting line up and urged Mainoo to stay and fight for his position. “The same as every player in that position," he said. "I expect a lot from Kobbie Mainoo and again people think that sometimes you need to just give. I think it’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place. I believe a lot in Kobbie – more than everybody thinks – so I expect a lot from him.”
It was a similar message for Onana, who was left out of the squad to face Arsenal on the opening weekend and was named on the bench for the weekend draw with Fulham. Amorim added: “He needs to do his job, it’s the same thing. I just expect the best from him, from my players. It doesn’t matter the context, if it’s a cup game or whatever. We just need to improve some things that went wrong against Fulham. He needs to improve his position, like always, so he’s ready for the game and I expect the best from him.”
United XI vs Grimsby: Onana; Fredricson, Maguire, Heaven; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Amad, Cunha, Sesko. Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, De Ligt, Leon, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Mbeumo, Zirkzee.
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