The simmering tension surrounding Kobbie Mainoo's lack of playing time at Manchester United spilled into the stands at Old Trafford on Monday night, as his brother made a bold public statement of support.
Brother's Bold Statement in the Stands
During United's dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, Mainoo's older brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was spotted in the stadium wearing a striking black t-shirt. The garment bore a clear message: 'Free Kobbie Mainoo'. Jordan, who found fame on the 2019 series of Love Island, has been a vocal advocate for his sibling's career and used the high-profile match to protest the midfielder's ongoing absence from the starting line-up.
This act of familial support underscores the growing frustration as the 20-year-old academy graduate continues to be sidelined. Mainoo has not started a single Premier League match this season, accumulating just 212 minutes of action in total. His only involvement on Monday was a second-half appearance from the substitutes' bench.
Amorim Fires Back at Critics
The protest comes amid mounting criticism of United manager Ruben Amorim's handling of the young talent. Club legends Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, and Nicky Butt have all recently voiced concerns, suggesting Mainoo may need to leave the club on loan to salvage his career development.
Amorim, however, has hit back at the critics. In a stern defence of his selection policy before the Bournemouth clash, he insisted the player must earn his place. "Sometimes they don't have all the information and they see Manchester United with the level they experienced here, always winning," Amorim stated. "So it's hard for them to see their club in this situation."
He delivered a sobering assessment, implying Mainoo hasn't seized his chances and extended this critique to other academy prospects like Toby Collyer, Chido Obi, and Harry Amass. "The team comes first," Amorim added. "I just want my players to be happy and I understand every individual has their objectives. The problem is we are playing with two midfielders and you see Kobbie in a different way to how I see him. Perhaps if we play with three midfielders, Kobbie will get more minutes."
January Loan Move Looms
With the situation at an impasse, a January departure appears increasingly likely. Mainoo is set to push for a loan exit once again when the transfer window reopens. Napoli, who were his preferred destination when United rejected a summer loan request, are expected to be at the front of the queue next month.
Amorim confirmed he has not discussed a potential loan with the player recently, having only held general conversations with him last year. Despite United's proud tradition of promoting youth, the Portuguese coach has made it clear he will not be swayed by sentimentality. "I take it naturally," he said of the criticism. "It is a fact that I, as Manchester United coach, think we are performing below expectations. The problem is that I, as a coach, am not doing well enough and I can accept that. That is the only problem. Not winning is the problem."
The stand-off between a promising young player, his influential supporters, and a determined manager is set to define the next chapter of Kobbie Mainoo's career at Manchester United.
