Roy Keane is adamant that the biggest challenge awaits Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United, as well as what the talented midfielder needs to do to get into Ruben Amorim’s good books.
Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the biggest topics of conversation at Manchester United this season.
Ruben Amorim has made it crystal clear that his preferred midfield duo consists of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, which means Mainoo is still waiting for his first Premier League start of the 2025/26 campaign.
The only game Mainoo started since the start of the season came in United’s defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round. He hopes to change that this weekend when United travel to Aston Villa, with Casemiro missing the trip due to suspension.
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Mainoo has been limited to substitute appearances in the league this season, with multiple former United players suggesting he should leave Old Trafford and try to build a career elsewhere.
Roy Keane providing coverage for the World Cup qualifiers
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Roy Keane urges Kobbie Mainoo to prove Ruben Amorim wrong
Unlike other former players, Keane has been careful not to suggest that Mainoo should seek a move to a new club.
Keane is of the view that Mainoo’s biggest challenge exists at United.
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To overcome that challenge, Keane has advised Mainoo to be mindful that Fernandes could leave in the summer and that he needs to prove Amorim wrong to get back into the team.
Speaking on the recent episode of The Overlap, Keane said: “Sometimes, at Man United, the challenge is right in front of you. A footballer’s life is about trying to prove to people that they’re wrong. Bruno [Fernandes] might leave next summer. Wait your moment.
“I have no problem with players going out on loan, it can be beneficial for everyone, but sometimes, as a player, your biggest challenge is here, at Manchester United, and it’s about breaking into the team.
“Even if the manager says ‘you won’t get ahead of Bruno’, prove him wrong!”
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Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte?
Kobbie Mainoo / Manuel Ugarte
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Perhaps a change in mindset is needed for Mainoo to get back into the team, which is not an impossible task.
Mainoo should take inspiration from Casemiro, given he has proven Amorim wrong to earn a place in the team.
Roy Keane slams Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘idiot’ brother
Keane didn’t hold back when asked about a recent publicity stunt from Mainoo’s brother at Monday night’s game at Old Trafford.
Mainoo’s brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames attended United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth and wore a “free Kobbie” t-shirt.
Keane added: “When he’s got his idiot brother doing all that stuff – we shouldn’t even be giving his brother the time of day. Because sometimes you’re just surrounded by idiots, especially in families.
“You come in after the match, and your brother did that … if my brother even done that, you would be looking at him going, ‘what are you doing?’ You would, and do you know what — do you think his brother’s done that without asking him? He’s under contract, probably been paid a decent wage.”
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