Manchester United midfielder Koby Mainu will miss the match against Aston Villa due to a minor injury. The 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford is in doubt after he has not played a key role in manager Ruben Amorim’s plans this season. Mainu, who has yet to start a Premier League game this season, will not be included in the squad to face Villa after it was reported that he suffered a minor injury yesterday.
Amorim’s side are also without Casemiro due to suspension, while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are still recovering from injuries. Additionally, Amad Diallo, Brian Mbeumo and Nouseir Mazraoui are absent on AFCON duties and join the list of absentees.
In Casemiro’s absence, Amorim selected Manuel Ugarte to partner Bruno Fernandes in central midfield. Following last Monday’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, Patrick Dorg and Benjamin Sesco were also drafted into the starting line-up.
Despite the changes, United’s excellent record of including academy players in the squad for every match over the past 88 years remains intact.
Tyler Fredrickson, Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacy and Bendito Mantato are among the substitutes.
A win at Villa Park would see the Red Devils overtake Liverpool into fifth place, while a win for Villa would cut their lead over leaders Arsenal to just three points.
Ahead of the match, Amorim urged Mainu to fight for a place on the training ground if he wants to start for United.
“Coby needs to fight for his job. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be on the Manchester United bench at 20 years old.”
“I remember[Cristiano]Ronaldo was on the bench,[Wayne]Rooney was on the bench sometimes,[Juan Sebastian]Veron wasn’t playing.
“I remember all the history of Manchester United, but I don’t remember anyone. So let’s keep trying to avoid nonsense and noise. I just want to help the team win. To help Coby become a better player.”
“I’m not saying to Coby, ‘You’re a big player here, let’s put you on the bench to show something.’ No, no. I’m saying the opposite.
“Sometimes we don’t use Coby because we understand he’s not the right guy to start a game. He’ll probably start next Sunday.
“If he plays well, I’m going to show everyone, ‘This guy can’t take me off the team.’ Then I’ll be very happy, so I don’t care. I don’t want to show anything to anyone.”
“All I’m saying is we’re trying to win games and show our players that if you do the right thing, you can play regardless of the name.”
