‘It doesn’t matter’ – Amorim says Mainu will not be punished for his brother’s T-shirt message
Video credit: SNTV
But Amorim encouraged the 20-year-old to follow in the footsteps of the club’s greats and get back in contention for a starting spot.
With Casemiro suspended for the West Midlands game, Maynou could be given that chance against Villa.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/08/31/image-1c77326e-39cf-4ac5-ac81-3306dc54d1a0-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
McCoist talks about Man United’s Maynou’s ‘strange’ lack of game time
Video credit: TNT Sports
“Coby has to fight for his job,” Amorim said in the pre-match press conference. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be on the Manchester United bench at 20 years old.
I remember Ronaldo being on the bench, Rooney sometimes being on the bench and (Juan Sebastian) Veron not playing.
“I’m not saying to Coby, ‘You’re a big player here, let’s put you on the bench to show something.’ No, I’m saying the opposite. I just don’t put Coby in sometimes because I understand he’s not the right guy to start a game. He’ll probably start next game, Sunday.”
“If he plays well, it will show everyone that ‘this guy can’t take me out of the team’ and I’ll be very happy.
“So, I’m not concerned about it. I don’t want to show anything to anyone. I’m just trying to win games and show the guys that if you do the right thing, you can play no matter what your name is.”
Amorim revealed that Mainu will not be punished for his half-brother’s actions and expressed empathy for the player after going through a similar experience as a Sporting Lisbon player.
“We had a similar situation with Sporting Lisbon. My brother wrote something on the internet and I have to answer for it. My explanation is that he has his own life, his opinion and it doesn’t concern me. So I will do the same with Koby.”
“He is responsible for his actions and his actions were to play well in the last game and I am only focused on that.
“So let’s keep trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise. I just want to help the team win and help Coby become a better player.”
After Sunday’s game against Unai Emery’s side, the Red Devils return to action on Boxing Day when they host Newcastle United at Old Trafford, before finishing 2025 with a home match against Wolves on December 30.
