Manchester United legend Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Kobbie Mainoo's brother, branding him an 'idiot' for wearing a controversial 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' t-shirt during the club's chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. Keane warned that the young midfielder's future at Old Trafford could be in jeopardy after failing to seize limited opportunities under manager Ruben Amorim.
Brother's T-Shirt Stirs Controversy at Old Trafford
The incident unfolded on Monday evening at Old Trafford, where former Love Island star Jordan Hames-Mainoo was spotted in the crowd sporting the provocative shirt. The stunt added significant fuel to ongoing speculation about the 20-year-old midfielder's dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time. Keane was unequivocal in his condemnation of the brother's actions during an appearance on The Overlap's Stick to Football podcast, stating the player's camp should not be given 'the time of day'.
'When he’s got his idiot of his brother doing all that stuff - we shouldn’t even be giving his brother the time of day,' Keane asserted. 'Because sometimes you’re just surrounded by idiots, especially in families. You come in after the match, and your brother did that... if my brother even done that, you would be looking at him going, “what are you doing?”'
Keane's Advice: Fight for Your Place at United
Keane's criticism extended beyond the family drama to Mainoo's own career strategy. The former United captain argued strongly against the player seeking a January loan exit, suggesting the bigger challenge was proving himself at the club. Mainoo has managed just one full 90 minutes under Amorim this season – in the embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to League Two's Grimsby Town – and has made only 12 appearances across all competitions, mostly from the bench.
'Are you telling me that he can't sit there for another six months?' Keane questioned. 'He's 20 years of age, what's wrong with sitting and learning your trade? And even if he's not getting a chance, we've all had to do it. Every day is your chance to prove yourself to the manager.'
Keane highlighted that Mainoo's primary competition for a midfield spot is club captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite rumours about Fernandes's future, Keane urged patience and a fighting spirit. 'What's football about? The life of a footballer is about trying to prove people wrong,' he continued. 'There was chat about Bruno leaving the summer, he might leave next summer. Bide your time.'
A Missed Opportunity Against Grimsby?
The Irish pundit delivered a particularly brutal assessment of Mainoo's sole start this season, suggesting the Grimsby debacle was a missed chance to impress. 'Sometimes, that’s the only chance you get, and you take it,' Keane added. 'If you’re coming back on the bus after Grimsby... and you’re sitting there and you’re going, “we just lost to f****** Grimsby”, and someone says, “you had that opportunity, you’re not going to get a chance for another six months”, I don’t expect to get another chance! Because I can’t beat Grimsby!'
This stance puts Keane at odds with other United legends like Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Rio Ferdinand, who have all recently advised Mainoo to seek a loan move in January to revive his career. Scholes even suggested a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea could be beneficial.
The situation remains tense, with Amorim having previously indicated that Mainoo has not taken his opportunities to break into the first team. United rejected a loan approach from Napoli for the player last summer, but his future now appears increasingly uncertain as the January window approaches.
