Kobie Mainoo’s younger brother appears to have sent a sharp message to Ruben Amorim and Manchester United by wearing a T-shirt that read ‘FREE KOBBIE MAINOO’ at Old Trafford. Amorim has not started Mainu in any of United’s 16 Premier League games so far this season, with his only start as a midfielder coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby.
Paul Scholes recently warned the United academy graduate that he has been “ruined” by missing out on opportunities under Amorim, suggesting he needs to leave the club for the sake of his career. The 20-year-old had the world on his feet after an incredible 2023/24 season that ended with him breaking into England’s squad with the winning goal in the FA Cup final.
There has already been talk of Maynou leaving Old Trafford in January after his request for a move during the summer was rejected. Now his younger brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames posted a photo of himself on social media wearing a T-shirt that read ‘FREE KOBBIE MAINOO’ at Old Trafford during United’s dramatic 4-4 win against Bournemouth on Monday night.
Asked during preparations for Monday night’s game whether the 20-year-old had spoken to him about a temporary move, Amorim replied: “If Koby comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him.”
“I’m not going to say anything to Koby, but I would really appreciate it if Koby would come and talk to me about it. I just want the players to be happy and I understand that each player has their own goals.”
“Frustration (of any player) doesn’t help anyone. But again, the focus is on (Bournemouth) and we’ll see if that happens.”
“I’ve had some conversations with him and some other players, especially last year. But on that subject, no, I didn’t talk to him. I’m totally open (to talking).”
The United manager added: “For you guys, I know you have players that you have a lot of faith in, and I have a lot of faith in, but sometimes you have to make choices.
“We are playing with two midfielders, which could change in the future, but Koby Mainu plays in the same position as Bruno Fernandes and sometimes it is very difficult to leave Bruno Fernandes out of the team. That is the only reason.”
Mainu came on for Casemiro shortly after the end of United’s 4-4 draw with Andoni Iraola’s side. Amad’s goal gave the Reds the lead, with Antoine Semenyo equalizing for the team.
However, United took the lead late in the first half thanks to Casemiro, but two quick goals from Evan Wilson and Marcus Tavernier turned the game around at the start of the second half. However, Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Matheus Cunha’s shot within two minutes of each other turned the game back in United’s favor, with Eli Junior Crupi giving the visitors a point.
