Roy Keane slams “idiotic” Mainoo stunt as he gives troubled star exact blueprint to win Amorim over

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has blasted the stunt pulled by Kobbie Mainoo’s brother earlier this week after the midfielder was overlooked yet again by Ruben Amorim for the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. Mainoo brother’s stunt Mainoo’s situation and the uncertainty over his future have been the subject of intense debate over the past few weeks, and there is little to suggest things will slow down as the January transfer window approaches. He has yet to start a Premier League game this season. Mainoo’s only start came in the embarrassing EFL Cup loss at the hands of Grimsby Town. Ruben Amorim doesn’t appear to fancy the 20-year-old so much and has recently reacted spikily when asked why he doesn’t use him to the level that his insane talent demands. Reports continue to swirl that Mainoo is open to a loan exit as he eyes a place in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Mainoo was introduced with less than 30 minutes remaining against Bournemouth. His half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, sparked controversy when he appeared at Old Trafford wearing a ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt. Mainoo-Hames shared the photo on social media. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane branded the stunt “idiotic” while advising Mainoo to shelve plans to leave on loan in favour of working hard to prove Amorim wrong. Keane’s view on Mainoo situation The legendary United captain said, “Are you telling me that he can’t sit there for another six months? He might think the manager’s on his way out in the summer.” “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.” “Sometimes a manager is on your case and what you have to do is prove them wrong. Jamie made a point that he never felt like a regular at Liverpool, I never felt like that at United. Every day is your chance to prove yourself to the manager and when the manager is picking his team, [he goes] ‘he has to play’. He’s got to get that in his mindset.” Keane continued, “And when he’s got his idiot of a brother doing all that… we shouldn’t even be giving that kind of stuff the time of day. Sometimes you’re just surrounded by idiots, especially the families.” “What’s football about? The life of a footballer is about trying to prove people wrong. There was chat about Bruno [Fernandes] leaving the summer, he might leave next summer. Bide your time.” “I have no problem players going out on loan, it can work for everybody, but sometimes as a player, your biggest challenge is here at Man United and getting into that first-team. Even if the manager is saying ‘you’re not going to get in over Bruno’, prove them wrong!” United are next in action on Sunday when they go away to Aston Villa. Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!