Kobbie Mainoo is weighing up his Manchester United future after being left out of the starting XI once again, admitting he is prepared to leave if opportunities remain limited under Ruben Amorim.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who is of Ghanaian heritage but represents England internationally, was an unused substitute for the second successive week during United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.
Mainoo could only watch from the bench as Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty and senior players like Casemiro and Mason Mount failed to seize control in midfield, leaving United without maximum points yet again.
Mainoo still has over two years on his current contract, but reports from United In Focus suggest he is now pushing for assurances over playing time.
Without them, a loan exit could be arranged before the window closes. Manager Ruben Amorim has made clear the youngster’s path is complicated by the dominance of United’s captain.
“He’s fighting for the position now with Bruno,” Amorim said. “I changed two midfielders and left Mason Mount because we wanted to score a goal. At that moment, the team needed one holding midfielder near Bruno.
“So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno, as it should be at Manchester United.”
That reality has restricted Mainoo to only 15 starts in Amorim’s 44 games in charge so far, underlining the challenge he faces in breaking into the side.
While the manager insists the youngster will get opportunities, Fernandes remains undroppable, leaving Mainoo frustrated with a peripheral role.
With time running out in the transfer market, Mainoo must decide swiftly whether to push for a loan spell that guarantees him regular football or continue waiting for his chance under Amorim.
