Concerns over Kobbie Mainoo's future at Manchester United have intensified dramatically following the club's disappointing draw with West Ham United. The young midfielder was left as an unused substitute for the fourth time this season, deepening the crisis around his role under manager Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo 'Feeling Horrible' and Frozen Out
The 20-year-old academy graduate, once hailed as the brightest talent from United's youth system in years, is still waiting for his first Premier League start of the campaign. His absence was keenly felt during a tetchy match against West Ham on Thursday, where his composure could have been invaluable. Instead, he watched from the bench as his team conceded a late equaliser to drop two more points at Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has now spoken out, expressing deep sympathy for Mainoo's situation. Parker suggested the England hopeful "must be furious" with Amorim for his treatment, which is severely damaging the player's chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad.
"I don’t think he is leaving because I don’t think the club can afford to let him go, but if he never gets minutes, he has to leave for his own sake," Parker told MyBettingSites. "He must be feeling horrible at the moment, because he knows the manager has taken away his opportunity to go to the World Cup."
Parker warned the club against repeating the mistake made with Scott McTominay, stating it would be a "terrible" story if Mainoo left and subsequently thrived elsewhere. He emphasised that Mainoo is "one of the best products that have come out of Man United for many years" and urged the club to find a way to integrate him.
Furious Dugout Reaction to Costly Equaliser
The frustration at Old Trafford wasn't limited to the Mainoo situation. The team's set-piece coach, Carlos Fernandes, was spotted reacting with fury to West Ham's 83rd-minute equaliser. Fernandes, who typically stands to observe dead-ball situations, was seen storming back to his seat in the dugout after Soungoutou Magassa tapped home from a corner.
The goal highlighted a lingering defensive vulnerability from set-pieces, undermining the clear progress United have made in attacking dead-ball scenarios this season. The late concession meant United missed a crucial opportunity to break into the Premier League's top six.
Mounting Pressure and Transfer Speculation
The ongoing saga has fuelled persistent transfer rumours, with Serie A side Napoli repeatedly linked with a move for Mainoo. His continued exile from the starting lineup only adds credence to the speculation that his long-term future may lie away from Manchester.
As United prepare for their next fixture, a trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, the pressure is mounting on Amorim. The manager must address not only the team's inconsistent form but also the growing discontent around his handling of one of the club's most promising young assets. The situation presents a significant test of his man-management and could have lasting implications for the squad's morale and the club's transfer strategy.
