Manager Roy Keane has urged Coby Mainu to fight for his place in the Manchester United squad rather than pursue other options, amid speculation over his future at Old Trafford. The England international’s situation at United has been a hot topic since he requested a loan move in the summer transfer window, but the club ultimately thwarted the move.
The 20-year-old has been limited to just 11 Premier League appearances this season under manager Ruben Amorim, all coming as a substitute. His only start came in the Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town in August. The debate intensified this week when Mainu’s half-brother Jordan Mainu Hames wore a ‘Free Coby Mainu’ T-shirt during the dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
The midfielder entered the game with less than 30 minutes left in an entertaining encounter at Old Trafford, marking his third-longest appearance in the Premier League this season.
After Mainou-James shared a photo on Instagram, new questions have emerged regarding the midfielder’s future and mindset. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane dismissed the move as foolish and called on Mainu to join the fray.
“Are you telling me he can’t sit there for another six months? He might think the manager is leaving in the summer,” Keane said. “He’s only 20 years old. What’s wrong with sitting down and learning your trade? Even if he didn’t have the chance, we all had to.
“Sometimes the manager gets involved in your case and what you have to do is prove them wrong. Jamie claimed he never felt like a regular at Liverpool and I never felt that way at United either. Every day is a chance to prove yourself to the manager and when the manager picks the team he says ‘he has to play’. He needs to understand that in his mindset.”
“And he’s letting his stupid brother do that to him…he shouldn’t waste his time on that. Sometimes you just get surrounded by idiots, especially your family.”
Keane continued about Maynou’s future at United, saying: “What is football? A footballer’s life is about trying to prove people wrong. There was talk about Bruno[Fernandes]leaving in the summer, he could be leaving next summer. Give it your time.”
“There’s nothing wrong with players going out on loan. It works for everyone, but the biggest challenge as a player is to break into the first team here at Man United. Even if the manager says, ‘We’re not going to go past Bruno,’ prove him wrong!”
Despite the speculation surrounding Mainu, Amorim declined to confirm whether the loan move would be approved. “Especially last year, I had some conversations with him and some other players, but on that subject, no, I didn’t talk to him,” he said.
“I would be really happy if Coby would come and talk to me about it. I just want the players to be happy. Everyone has their own goals and I understand that frustration is not good for anyone. I won’t say what I’m going to say, but I’m going to talk to him.”
“I’m completely open, that’s obvious. I have my own thoughts and that’s obvious too. If you don’t believe me, I’m open to talking to any player. I love it.”
