Manchester United icon Roy Keane has called out Kobbie Mainoo's sibling after a controversial T-shirt stunt, whilst Bryan Mbeumo's worst AFCON fears may soon be realised
Roy Keane looking angry on the Stick to Football podcast
Roy Keane raised umbrage with the conduct of Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother
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Manchester United are heading into a challenging part of their season, with three players leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations. Ideally, the club would prefer minimal distractions, but not everyone associated with the squad has adhered to this.
Indeed, United legend Roy Keane has expressed his displeasure following a recent twist in the Kobbie Mainoo saga. This comes after the midfielder's half-brother was seen wearing a controversial item of clothing during the latest Premier League match.
And with Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad jetting off to Morocco, manager Ruben Amorim may need to rely on the young player in the coming weeks. summarises the latest headlines from Old Trafford so you don't have to.
Mbeumo AFCON fears
Legions of United supporters, and presumably Amorim as well, are questioning how the team will perform during the absence of their AFCON representatives. And there's little doubt Mbeumo will be the most significant loss from their right wing.
Yet it's perhaps the player himself who ought to feel anxious after a supercomputer predicted an early exit for his Cameroon team. The model, developed by AFCON betting specialists at BookmakersCameroun.com, projected the Indomitable Lions will be eliminated in Group F after matches against the Ivory Coast, Gabon and Mozambique.
Mbeumo's absence would consequently be fairly brief, potentially allowing him to return for the Leeds fixture on January 4. Former United defender Paul Parker recently articulated the impact Mbeumo's departure will have on the squad, noting that no other player under Amorim's management can replicate his contributions.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United looks glum
Mbeumo's Cameroon have been tipped to exit the AFCON early
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"It is impossible for Man United to cope with the loss of Mbeumo when he leaves for the AFCON," said the two-time Premier League winner. "They simply can't. They have no one close to his level, so they will struggle without him.
"He is going to be a massive miss, and I can't see how they can do anything without him. We have to remember that he is one of the best players in the league, and he is definitely the best player from Manchester United."
Keane criticises Mainoo's brother
In the midst of the controversy surrounding Mainoo's game time (or lack thereof), the midfielder has largely kept quiet. However, the same cannot be said for half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who was spotted at Monday's 4-4 draw against Bournemouth sporting a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' T-shirt.
Mainoo was brought on as a substitute for the final 30 minutes of what proved to be a rollercoaster match, with the lead changing hands three times. Almost halfway through the Premier League season, Mainoo is still awaiting his first start of the campaign.
The stunt might have flown under the radar had Mainoo-Hames, a former Love Island contestant, not decided to pose in front of the Old Trafford pitch and share the photo on Instagram. News of the incident eventually reached club legend Keane, who discussed it on the Stick to Football podcast.
Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother Jordan wearing a T-shirt which says 'Free Kobbie Mainoo'
Jordan Mainoo-Hames was seen sporting a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' T-shirt during the recent draw against Bournemouth
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The Irishman questioned: "Are you telling me that he can't sit there for another six months? He might think the manager's on his way out in the summer. He's 20 years of age, what's wrong with sitting and learning your trade? And even if he's not getting a chance, we've all had to do it.
"Sometimes a manager is on your case and what you have to do is prove them wrong. Jamie [Carragher] made a point that he never felt like a regular at Liverpool, I never felt like that at United. Every day is your chance to prove yourself to the manager and when the manager is picking his team, [he goes] 'He has to play'. He's got to get that in his mindset.
"And when he's got his idiot of a brother doing all that... we shouldn't even be giving that kind of stuff the time of day. Sometimes you're just surrounded by idiots, especially the families."
Keane acknowledged the possibility of Mainoo heading out on loan but urged the prospect to prove Amorim wrong at Old Trafford instead. Amorim, meanwhile, has indicated he'd be willing to sit down for a conversation with the player if approached.