Kobbie Mainoo has been warned he will have to leave Manchester United for regular game time, while Benjamin Sesko's agent has provided an update on the striker's recovery
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United applauds the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United
Paul Scholes has said Kobbie Mainoo "will have to leave" Manchester United
(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Paul Scholes has declared that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo "will have to leave" Old Trafford due to his lack of playing time under manager Ruben Amorim. Mainoo entered as a substitute for just 12 minutes during Monday's emphatic 4-1 victory over Wolves but continues to find himself largely overlooked by his boss.
Amorim has remained resolute on the issue, maintaining team selection remains his prerogative. Nevertheless, there's widespread agreement around the club that Mainoo isn't getting sufficient opportunities, a view Scholes evidently shares.
In other news, Benjamin Sesko's representative has provided supporters with an update regarding the summer recruit's anticipated return from injury.
Scholes claims Mainoo will 'have to leave'
Among the growing chorus of backing for Mainoo during his prolonged absence from the starting line-up, Scholes has added his voice to those demanding greater involvement for the youngster. The Treble-winner remains baffled as to why the homegrown talent hasn't featured more prominently under the current management.
The 20-year-old was a consistent starter under Amorim last campaign but has been restricted to substitute appearances in all 10 of his Premier League matches this season. This situation has left Scholes convinced a player of his calibre will need to seek opportunities elsewhere if he wants regular first-team football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Paul Scholes speaking in a podcast
Scholes sympathises with Mainoo's plight as he continues to be overlooked by Ruben Amorim
"Ruben Amorim has said Kobbie Mainoo is a starter...every appearance he's made in the Premier League has been as a sub," the United legend said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. "Things like that wind me up.
"I wouldn't mind if he was in a good team and they were winning every week and keeping possession but they're rubbish. Kobbie is a 20-year-old kid and he's not playing, he's going to have to leave.
"Do you know what will happen now? Amorim will bring him into a game, and he won't be great, but that's because he needs regular games."
Mainoo remains linked with a potential switch to Napoli, who have already rejuvenated the careers of two United cast-offs in Scott McTominay and more recently Rasmus Hojlund. Meanwhile, his search for regular football at Old Trafford continues.
Sesko's agent gives update on comeback
Despite netting four times at Molineux on Monday, supporters are eager to see Sesko back leading United's attack. While Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount have offered alternative options up front in various roles, Sesko's recent setback arrived just as the forward appeared to be finding his rhythm.
Initial concern arose when the striker suffered a knee problem against Tottenham before November's international break. Nevertheless, the player's representative, Elvis Basanovic, has offered some insight into when supporters might anticipate the forward's comeback.
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United reacts at full time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford
Sesko was injured just prior to the November international break
"Benjamin is feeling very well. His rehabilitation is progressing according to plan," he said during a recent appearance on Slovenian television. "It's hard to say precisely when he will return.
"That will be up to the medical staff and the manager, but I think we'll see him back on the pitch very soon. Maybe even sooner than expected."
While those remarks remain somewhat vague, the phrase "sooner than expected" is likely to give supporters plenty of encouragement. Sesko, 22, has managed just two goals in 11 Premier League appearances to date, though his broader contribution in enabling the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to flourish has proved his greatest asset thus far.
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.