Manchester United clinched a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, easing the pressure on Ruben Amorim.
Apart from poor results, including a humiliating loss to League Two side Grimsby Town in the EF Cup, the head coach has also earned the ire of supporters due to some questionable selection calls.
Kobbie Mainoo’s continued absence has not made sense, especially when the other alternative is Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled big time.
The Englishman did not start against the Clarets either, but did come on in the second half and played his part as Bruno Fernandes’ last-minute penalty helped secure all three points.
Mainoo’s lack of minutes
The Portuguese tactician has insisted that the Carrington graduate does not have the qualities to function as a defensive midfielder, and wants him to compete with the club captain for a place in the midfield.
There will not be too many games Fernandes will miss, and hence, the 20-year-old informed INEOS after a meeting that he wanted to leave on loan to earn regular minutes.
🚨 Manchester United keep blocking Kobbie Mainoo’s exit on loan especially after Cunha and Mount injuries.
Mainoo insists to go, play and develop but #MUFC want to keep him. pic.twitter.com/gL74KOkRWK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2025
Amorim has made it clear that he wants his midfield maestro to stay, but the England international has kept pushing keeping in mind next year’s World Cup.
On Saturday, both Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount picked up injuries and could miss the huge games against Manchester City and Chelsea.
And that opens up the possibility of Kobbie Mainoo starting for the first time in the Premier League, either as an attacking midfielder in case Fernandes occupies the No.8 role.
United to block his exit
Or if the captain is pushed further forward, the Stockport-born star might play alongside Casemiro. Which is why INEOS have blocked all exit routes as per Fabrizio Romano.
“Manchester United keep blocking Kobbie Mainoo’s exit on loan especially after Cunha and Mount injuries.
“Mainoo insists to go, play and develop but MUFC want to keep him,” Romano wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Hopefully, nothing changes from now until the end of the window and the Red Devils can keep a hold of their midfield talent.
And Mainoo, if handed a start in the Manchester derby, must grab the opportunity with both hands and send a telling message to his head coach.
Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
