Kobbie Mainoo has yet to make a Premier League start this season, with Ruben Amorim hellbent that he will make his chosen setup successful.
For Manchester United’s trip to the Etihad yesterday, Manuel Ugarte was preferred to both Mainoo and Casemiro alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
The out-of-favour youngster was eventually introduced to the action in the 62nd minute, replacing Noussair Mazraoui with United trailing by two goals.
Despite Ruben Amorim’s men going on to lose the derby 3-0, Mainoo actually recorded some positive statistics; he completed every pass he attempted (28/28) and won all three ground duels in the 28 minutes he was on the pitch, as per StatmanDave.
Kobbie Mainoo won every ground duel (3/3) and completed every pass (18/18) in the 28 minutes he played vs. Manchester City.
Should he start against Chelsea? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Muhf8GIMfZ
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 15, 2025
Kobbie Mainoo wanted to leave United on short-term deal this summer
Fans remain perplexed by the Carrington graduate’s uncertain situation, which has seen him demoted from a nailed-on starter to a rotational role since Amorim took the reins.
Mainoo himself felt so aggrieved by his lack of minutes that he asked to leave on loan in the final week of the summer window. He garnered ample interest across Europe, but had any potential move blocked by the club, who informed him that he was expected to stay and fight for his place.
Given that United are playing only one game a week this term, Mainoo is facing an uphill battle to reclaim his place.
What next for struggling Amorim?
Whether his efforts in the closing stages of the dismal display yesterday will prompt Amorim to reshuffle his side for the visit of Chelsea on Saturday remains to be seen.
If not, the Portuguese coach risks overseeing his third defeat in just the fifth gameweek of 2025/2026, with the Reds also already out of the League Cup.
