Manchester United Players ‘Perplexed’ As Ruben Amorim Sidelines Star

Manchester United players are said to be baffled by Ruben Amorim’s decision to restrict Kobbie Mainoo’s involvement this season.

The England midfielder, valued at around £60m, has found himself out of favour despite being considered one of the club’s brightest academy graduates.

Limited Opportunities Raise Questions

Mainoo has featured in three of United’s five matches across all competitions, but has made just one start under Amorim, which came in the EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town. In the Premier League he has played only 73 minutes this campaign, with his last top-flight start dating back to May’s 2-0 loss against West Ham United.

The midfielder was also left on the bench during Sunday’s Manchester derby, where Amorim paired Bruno Fernandes with summer signing Manuel Ugarte in central midfield. That decision raised eyebrows in the dressing room, according to reports, with some senior players left “perplexed” by the lack of trust shown in the 20-year-old.

United’s underwhelming start to the 2025/26 campaign has only heightened scrutiny. Four points from their opening four league fixtures leave the Red Devils sitting 14th in the Premier League, with supporters already voicing concern at another poor run of results.

Newcastle Interest Builds

Talk has already surfaced of a possible January departure, with Newcastle United believed to be keeping a close watch. Manager Eddie Howe is understood to be an admirer of the midfielder and could test United’s resolve if his opportunities remain limited.

Mainoo was reportedly keen to leave Old Trafford in the summer but stayed after United made it clear they wanted him as part of the squad. However, his lack of involvement under Amorim has only fuelled speculation that a fresh move could be on the horizon in the next transfer window.

With Scott McTominay leaving and thriving elsewhere, fans fear United may be repeating mistakes by pushing out another academy product. One supporter described the current approach as “scandalous”, arguing that selling the club’s best young players was undermining the team’s long-term prospects.

Board Still Backing Amorim

Despite frustrations inside and outside Old Trafford, Amorim retains the support of the United board. Senior figures are not expected to make any immediate decisions regarding his future, instead waiting to see if results improve as the season progresses. His position is expected to come under greater review should European qualification slip further out of reach.

For now, the Portuguese coach insists Mainoo must “fight for his place” in the side. But with discontent simmering and rival clubs circling, the pressure is building on United to manage one of their most valuable young assets carefully in the coming months.

Site Opinion

The situation surrounding Mainoo looks increasingly precarious. While United’s midfield struggles are evident, Amorim has yet to hand consistent chances to a player many regard as their brightest talent. If Newcastle’s interest turns into a serious bid, the club could soon face a defining decision between backing their manager’s short-term selections or safeguarding the long-term potential of one of their own. How they handle that balance could shape the direction of this season and beyond.