Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench by Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on Thursday night as speculation over a January move away from Old Trafford continues
Kobbie Mainoo has been used sparingly by Ruben Amorim this season
Kobbie Mainoo has been used sparingly by Ruben Amorim this season(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker believes Kobbie Mainoo "must be furious" at United boss Ruben Amorim for his lack of game time. Parker, part of the United squads which won the Premier League in 1993 and 1994, feels Mainoo may have to leave unless he gets an indication Amorim trusts him to start.
Mainoo has played less than 200 minutes of league football this season, with each of his nine appearances coming from the bench, harming his hopes of a spot in England's World Cup squad. He was an unused substitute for Thursday's draw with West Ham.
According to The Athletic, United are potentially prepared to sanction a January loan exit and the player is ready to move on. However, the club are said to be keen to wait until after the Africa Cup of Nations ends and Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are assessed following their exertions in Morocco.
"I don’t think he is leaving because I don’t think the club can afford to let him go, but if he never gets minutes, he has to leave for his own sake," Parker said. "He must be feeling horrible at the moment, because he knows the manager has taken away his opportunity to go to the World Cup.
"He must be furious at Amorim. He has to be. There is no chance of him going, and his name won’t even be mentioned," added the ex-England defender, who was speaking to MyBettingSites, added.
“It would be a very bad story for the club if he were to leave. Just look at [Scott] McTominay. I don’t think he would have made a massive difference at Man United at this moment in time, but you can’t have another one of those stories coming out. It would be terrible if Mainoo leaves and all of a sudden does very well, because then everyone will question Amorim and the club.”
Mainoo has been linked with a move to Napoli, where McTominay has thrived since leaving Old Trafford. The Serie A holders are looking for reinforcements in midfield after Kevin De Bruyne suffered a long-term injury, and according to the latest reports from The Athletic, Mainoo's frustration at his lack of minutes has led him to conclude a January loan could be best for all parties.
“He [Mainoo] is a player and a person I hope the best for," Parker added."He is a wonderful young lad, and his talent is immense. He is one of the best products that have come out of Man United for many years, so they have to find a way for him to get into the team and perform.”
Ruben Amorim during Man Utd vs West Ham
Ruben Amorim has been asked about his use of Mainoo
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Amorim was asked again about Mainoo in his Friday press conference. “You always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying," he said. "You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that does not mean I need to put Kobbie (in the team) when I feel I shouldn’t put Kobbie (in the team).”
When asked if AFCON absences could boost the midfielder's chances of action, he added: "I don’t know. I don’t know. It’s the same question. I don’t know what is going to happen. It depends. If I see in the training it is the best thing, I will put it. That is the only way I know how to respond to that."
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