One ex-Manchester United star has expressed his sympathy for Kobbie Mainoo and said the youngster must be "furious" with Ruben Amorim
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford
Paul Parker feels sorry for Kobbie Mainoo, who must be "furious" with his Manchester United treatment
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Worries about Kobbie Mainoo's prospects at Manchester United continue to rise after a frustrating stalemate with West Ham. The academy product was an unused substitite for the fourth time this season as the Hammers netted a late equaliser to claim a point at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Yet to make a Premier League start this season, Mainoo remains virtually ignored under Ruben Amorim. And a former United star has sympathised with the youngster, claiming he "must be furious" with the manager over his treatment.
That's not the only source of discontent at Old Trafford, as one coach displayed his anger following West Ham's leveller. examines the latest developments surrounding United before the club's visit to Wolves on Monday.
Furious reaction to West Ham goal
United fans and pundits alike have expressed frustration with the club's latest setback, and they're not alone. That's how set-piece specialist Carlos Fernandes was characterised following Soungoutou Magassa's equaliser from a late corner at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Frenchman displayed the quickest reflexes to bundle a bouncing ball into the back of United's net in the 83rd minute on Thursday. And Fernandes' reaction perfectly captured his frustration as he marched back to the dugout in an angry manner.
Fernandes typically gets up to take vantage from the technical area to gain a closer view of set pieces, both offensively and defensively. Nevertheless, Magassa's late strike may have left him regretting his decision on this particular occasion.
Assistant Head Coach Carlos Fernandes of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground
United set-piece coach Carlos Fernandes (left) reacted angrily to West Ham's equaliser on Thursday
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The home side appeared sluggish in their response as the ball ricocheted perilously around the penalty area in the lead-up to Magassa's finish. And the consequence was United squandering their chance to climb into the Premier League's top six after surrendering another two points.
The benefits of Fernandes' efforts are clear given United have significantly enhanced their potency from set-piece situations this campaign. Nevertheless, West Ham's goal at Old Trafford demonstrated that considerable work remains to be done in defending similar circumstances.
Mainoo 'must be feeling horrible' under Amorim
Yet another United match where Mainoo has been relegated to the role of observer. Despite this being precisely the type of scrappy encounter where the 20-year-old's calm head in possession could have proved invaluable, he was left to witness his side surrender more crucial points.
Previously celebrated as the most promising prospect to graduate from United's academy in recent memory, Mainoo now seems virtually dismissed by his boss. Speculation has surrounded the midfielder's potential departure for some time, with Napoli continuing to circle as supposed suitors for his services next year.
Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Ruben Amorim applauds the fans with Kobbie Mainoo & Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has exiled Mainoo from his starting XI this season
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Former United defender Paul Parker could only feel sympathy for the player after his latest absence from the field. The two-time Premier League winner speculated Mainoo's relationship with Amorim must have reached rock bottom as his prospects of featuring in the 2026 World Cup continue to fade.
"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 told MyBettingSites. "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.
"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.
"He is a player and a person I hope the best for. 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."