In the hours that followed Manchester United’s dramatic draw against Bournemouth, the headlines were dominated by Kobbie Mainoo for non-performance-related reasons.
Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth and wasted an opportunity to move to fifth in the Premier League table.
Now sitting sixth, United will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday. United will be without Casemiro through suspension, and it remains to be seen what changes Ruben Amorim will make to the team with such a key player absent.
With Casemiro suspended, who should start vs Aston Villa?
Kobbie Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte?
Kobbie Mainoo / Manuel Ugarte
Getty Images
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One player hopeful of replacing Casemiro in the line-up is Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old has yet to start a game in the Premier League this season and was the centre of negative headlines this week when his brother Jordan Mainoo-James wore a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt at Old Trafford.
Amorim is expected to be asked about the plea for attention from Mainoo’s brother at Friday’s press conference.
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo after a draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo had no intention of disrespecting Man Utd
United fans would have been hoping that Mainoo had no prior knowledge of the stunt his brother was going to pull off on Monday night.
It dominated the headlines for the wrong reasons at a time when Mainoo is trying to win back his place in the team.
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Mainoo has good reason to be frustrated with his situation at United, but he must remain professional to have any chance of convincing Amorim to select him more often.
According to author Si Lloyd, Mainoo was ‘unaware’ that his brother’s T-shirt would be on show at Old Trafford for the Bournemouth match.
It is also stressed that Mainoo has no intention of disrespecting the club.
Si wrote: “I don’t really get many of these bits of information these days but thought it was worth sharing this one: I’m told Kobbie Mainoo was unaware his brother’s T-shirt would be on show at Old Trafford the other night and that he has no intention of disrespecting the club.”
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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Mainoo is in contention with Manuel Ugarte for a starting role on Sunday. That will be another chance for the England international to stake a claim in the team.
Man Utd stance on selling Kobbie Mainoo
The January transfer window will open soon and there will be plenty of speculation over Mainoo’s future due to the lack of game time he is getting at United.
According to Sky Sports, United will only consider selling Mainoo in January if they receive an exceptional offer.
That is a warning to potential suitors for Mainoo that they won’t be getting the midfield ace on the cheap midway through the season.
United are reluctant to see Mainoo leave on loan because they are already limited in options in midfield.
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