‘They will be absent for this game’, Amorim confirms Fernandes and Mainu injured against Newcastle
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Amorim has since praised the player’s versatility and ability to effectively cover the responsibilities of Mason Mount and Casemiro.
“Koby Mainu has played a lot of different positions,” he said. “He can play (Casemiro’s) position.
“If we play three, he can play and he can play like we played in the last game (at Aston Villa). In Mason Mount’s position in that game, he can play there.”
“He will be the future of Manchester United. That’s how I feel. He just waits for his chance. In football, everything can change in two days.”
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Gerrard says Mourinho was a bit of a cheat on Chelsea transfer failure
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All eyes then turned to United’s transfer activity in January, but Amorim insists a release is unlikely unless reinforcements are made first.
Mainu has previously expressed a desire to go on loan, while Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A.
Bruno Fernandes will be sidelined for a month, while Brian Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Nousair Mazraoui will all feature in the African Cup of Nations.
Amorim insists that even if all these players return, it will be difficult for others to leave the club.
“It would be difficult for someone to leave the club if they can’t get a replacement,” he explained.
“We are not strong enough. Even with a full team, we are not strong enough for something that can happen.
“We are a club with a huge responsibility. We are dealing with all these issues and in (the media’s) head, in my head, in everyone’s head, we think we need to win every game. It doesn’t matter. There are no excuses.”
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‘They wanted me to leave’ – Fernandes ‘hurt’ that Man United tried to sell him to Al Hilal
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Amorim’s selection problems have not been helped by a growing injury list that includes Maynou, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
With that in mind, academy stars Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey may both have a chance to make an impression in the coming weeks.
“We are struggling at the moment, but the club has a plan and we will stick to that plan,” he said.
“If there is an opportunity to bring in a player who we think is the future of the club, he will come.
“If not, we’ve got Jack (Fletcher), we’ve got Shea (Lacey), we’ve got Amad, Nousser, Brian in three weeks and we’ll have Bruno and Koby Mainu back as well.”
The Red Devils play Newcastle United on Boxing Day before hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s side will then start 2026 against Leeds United at Elland Road on January 4, before traveling to Turf Moor to face Burnley three days later.
