Ruben Amorim straightforwardly explains why Mainoo remains on the bench at MU

25/08/2025 06:55:00 PANDATV

Following the opening two matches of the 2025/26 Premier League, Manchester United still haven't won, and a major concern for supporters is that the promising youngster Kobbie Mainoo hasn't appeared on the field at all.

Kobbie Mainoo has only been a substitute in Manchester United’s first two games. The “Red Devils” suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Arsenal in the opening match and then a 1-1 draw against Fulham last weekend. Mainoo’s absence from the playing squad has raised questions among fans, especially since he was a standout performer for the team in the 2023/24 season.

Amorim đã phủ nhận việc Mainoo không được ra sân vì thiếu nhịp thi đấu (Ảnh: MEN). — Amorim denied that Mainoo’s lack of playing time was due to match fitness (Photo: MEN).

In an interview with Sky Sports, coach Ruben Amorim candidly stated: “No, it’s not about lacking match rhythm. The issue is that Kobbie is directly competing with Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot. I also made changes to the midfield during the game, bringing on Mason Mount when we needed a goal, then switching to a formation with a single holding midfielder. That was a tactical decision.”

Amorim emphasized that at Manchester United, every player, including academy graduates, must prove themselves in training and be ready to compete fairly with top stars.

The Portuguese coach added: “He needs to keep pushing to win his place from Bruno during training sessions. That’s normal at a club like Man Utd.”

Mainoo chưa thi đấu phút nào ở mùa giải 2025/26 (Ảnh: MEN). — Mainoo has not played any minutes in the 2025/26 season (Photo: MEN).

Kobbie Mainoo was a major discovery under coach Erik ten Hag. In the 2023/24 season, the Stockport-born midfielder made 32 appearances across all competitions, making a strong impact by scoring the decisive goal that secured United’s FA Cup victory. He further impressed by playing a key role in helping the England national team reach the EURO 2024 final in Germany.

However, the arrival of coach Ruben Amorim and the tactical focus around captain Bruno Fernandes have made Mainoo’s chances tougher. Many experts see this as a necessary challenge for the 20-year-old talent to develop and establish a long-term role at Old Trafford.

Mainoo phải cạnh tranh vị trí tiền vệ trung tâm với Bruno (Ảnh: GOAL). — Mainoo must compete with Bruno for the central midfield position (Photo: GOAL).

According to the schedule, Manchester United will travel to face Grimsby Town (League Two) in the second round of the League Cup midweek. This is seen as an ideal opportunity for Amorim to test his squad and give Mainoo some playing time. After that, the “Red Devils” will host Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30.

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