Instead of discussing Kobbie Mainoo’s cameo off the bench against Bournemouth, Manchester United fans have been reacting to the behaviour of his brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames at Old Trafford.
Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth on Monday night, jumping to sixth in the Premier League table.
It was a night that Old Trafford witnessed crisp attacking football, but questionable defending at the other end. Senne Lammens made several important saves but let United down when Bournemouth scored from a free kick.
Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha all got on the scoresheet for United – but Ruben Amorim is still bound to be disappointed that United failed to get three points after scoring four goals.
Amorim made some tactical changes to his team due to Noussair Mazraoui leaving for AFCON. This meant United defended with four at times, with Leny Yoro wide on the right.
The United head coach stuck with the same midfield he’s persisted with throughout the season – Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro – as Kobbie Mainoo still waits for his first Premier League start of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo playing against Bournemouth
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo brother hints at Man Utd exit
It would be fair to say Mainoo’s brother has caused quite a stir after an attention-seeking stunt at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Former Love Island contestant Jordan Mainoo-Hames was pictured wearing a provocative T-shirt with “Free Kobbie Mainoo” written across it in bold white letters, as reposted by Fabrizio Romano.
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United fans had reacted positively to Mainoo’s introduction as a substitute by giving the 20-year-old a rapturous applause when the team was trailing 3-2 on the hour mark.
Instead of analysing Mainoo’s performance, which included positive contributions, those same fans have been sidetracked by an attention plea from the player’s brother. Several have voiced their frustration at Jordan’s behaviour on X.
One fan wrote: “I’m not having this from Kobbie Mainoo’s brother. Haven’t we had enough of family members causing unnecessary drama at #MUFC? Regardless of selection, quotes, contract frustrations etc., this just doesn’t help things at all. Only makes the situation worse.”
Another United fan pointed out how the timing reflects poorly on Mainoo, even though it is not known if the player was aware of the T-shirt: “Literally yesterday Amorim said he would speak with Kobbie Mainoo if he asked to leave on loan yesterday. Today his brother does this in the front row at Old Trafford. Optically this is terrible. What’s he thinking?”
Meanwhile, a fan eager for Mainoo to play more stressed that the move was ill-advised: “I want Kobbie Mainoo playing because I know how good he is but my good this is ill advised and embarrassing.”
What do you think of Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wearing a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ t-shirt at Old Trafford?
This is NOT going to help Kobbie Mainoo!
Kobbie Mainoo's brother Instagram
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One thing is certain from all of this. It’s not a good look for Mainoo’s camp, but the only way he can detach himself from it is by performing at a high level whenever opportunities come his way.
Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen if he will be allowed to leave on loan in January.
Kobbie Mainoo stats vs Bournemouth
Mainoo played 29 minutes against Bournemouth as a substitute.
The England international had a 88% pass success rate and created one chance.
Casemiro is suspended vs Aston Villa 🚫
It's the worst possible timing! Who should replace him?
Casemiro suspended
Getty Images
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Making five defensive contributions, Mainoo showed he can be an alternative to Casemiro, even if his positioning for Bournemouth’s fourth goal warrants questioning.
Mainoo touched the ball 29 times, including once in the Bournemouth box.
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