Koby Mainu has not started a Premier League game for Manchester United this season and has been linked with a move in the January transfer window.
Kobie Mainoo’s brother has criticized Ruben Amorim and Manchester United by wearing a T-shirt that read ‘FREE KOBBIE MAINOO’ during a Premier League game against Bournemouth. Mainu has not started in any of United’s 16 Premier League games this season, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby.
United legend Paul Scholes recently warned the England international that his career was being “ruined” by a lack of opportunities under Amorim, suggesting he should consider leaving Old Trafford. The 20-year-old made an impressive breakthrough in the 2023/24 season, culminating in him scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final to earn him a place in the England squad.
Negotiations have already begun for Mainu to leave Old Trafford in January after his summer transfer request was rejected. His younger brother Jordan Mainoo James posted a photo of himself on social media wearing a ‘FREE KOBBIE MAINOO’ T-shirt at Old Trafford during United’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night.
read more: Ruben Amorim takes responsibility after Manchester United concede against Bournemouthread more: Manchester United’s next five games compared to Liverpool and Chelsea after Bournemouth thriller
When asked ahead of Monday night’s game whether Mainu had approached him about a potential loan move, Amorim said: “If Koby comes to me and talks to me, I’ll talk to him.”
“I’m not going to say anything to Koby, but I would be really happy if Koby came to 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 it 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).”
“For you guys, I know there are players that you have a lot of faith in and I have a lot of faith in, but sometimes you have to make choices,” he added.
“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 just after the hour mark, with United locked in a thrilling 4-4 stalemate with Andoni Iraola’s side. His introduction was met with a huge cheer from the Old Trafford crowd.
United took the lead in the 13th minute with a goal from Amad, before Antoine Semenyo equalized. United went into the interval up front courtesy of Casemiro.
Two quick attacks from Evanilsson and Marcus Tavernier changed the course of the game early in the second half. However, Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Matheus Cunha’s strike within two minutes restored United’s momentum with 10 minutes left in normal time.
However, the final goal of the match was scored by Bournemouth. Eli Junior Crupi saved one point with a goal in the 84th minute.
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