Kobbie Mainoo has decided to remain at Manchester United and fight for his place in the team despite failing to start a single Premier League match under manager Ruben Amorim this season.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly decided to stay at Old Trafford despite a difficult season under head coach Ruben Amorim.
The academy graduate, who was a mainstay under Erik ten Hag and a standout for England at Euro 2024, has seen his playing time plummet this term.
With just 212 minutes of Premier League action across 11 substitute appearances, Mainoo has yet to start a league game in the 2025/26 campaign.
The 20-year-old’s limited involvement stems from Amorim’s tactical preference for a 3-4-2-1 system, which utilizes only two central midfielders.
Currently, the Portuguese manager prefers the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, citing concerns over Mainoo’s positional discipline as a holding midfielder.
While it was previously reported that Mainoo was “deeply frustrated” by his lack of opportunities, he has now committed to reviving his career at his boyhood club rather than seeking a winter exit.
Support for Mainoo has come from within the club, with both Ruben Amorim and former captain Roy Keane encouraging the youngster to “block out the noise” and fight for his place.
Mainoo believes his technical ability and progressive ball-carrying can eventually convince the manager he offers a profile currently lacking in the starting XI.
As United prepare for a busy January, the midfielder is focused on proving he can adapt to Amorim’s tactical demands.