Life at a club like Manchester United rarely comes with guarantees, especially for young players still finding their feet.
That’s the message Ruben Amorim has delivered to Kobbie Mainoo as questions continue to swirl around the midfielder’s role, his patience, and his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s Clear Message: The Bench Isn’t a Punishment
Amorim has been keen to calm the situation, telling Mainoo there’s nothing shameful about starting games on the bench at just 20 years old.
According to the United boss, the noise around Mainoo’s situation is exactly what the youngster needs to ignore.
To make his point, Amorim leaned on history, reminding everyone that even club legends weren’t immune to rotation.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Juan Sebastian Veron all had spells where they had to wait their turn during their United careers.
In Amorim’s eyes, that experience didn’t hold them back — it helped shape them.
Why Mainoo Has Been Waiting for His Chance
So far this season, Mainoo hasn’t started a Premier League match, with all 11 of his league appearances coming from the bench.
Amorim insists this isn’t about sending messages or diminishing Mainoo’s importance. Instead, it’s about selecting the right player for the right moment.
He explained that sometimes Mainoo simply hasn’t been the best fit to start certain games — but that could change quickly.
With Casemiro suspended, Mainoo may get his opportunity to start against Aston Villa on Sunday.
A Simple Formula: Perform and You Stay In
Amorim made it clear that the door is wide open if Mainoo delivers when given the chance.
Play well, make yourself undroppable, and the debate ends.
For Amorim, reputation and name recognition don’t dictate selection.
His focus is purely on winning matches and rewarding players who do the right things on the pitch.
If Mainoo proves he belongs in the starting XI, Amorim says he would be delighted.
Transfer Talk Adds More Pressure
While the manager is trying to steady the situation, speculation continues to grow.
Mainoo is reportedly interested in leaving during the January transfer window, with Napoli leading the race should United be willing to let him go.
That uncertainty has only added to the tension around the player’s role and patience at the club.
Family Involvement Fuels the Drama
Things became more heated during United’s 4–4 draw with Bournemouth when Mainoo’s half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was spotted wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt.
The gesture drew attention and risked escalating an already delicate situation.
Amorim was quick to shut that down, drawing on his own experience from Sporting Lisbon.
He explained that family members have their own opinions and lives, and those views don’t reflect the player’s mindset or professionalism.
Keeping the Focus Where It Belongs
For Amorim, the priority is simple: avoid distractions and keep everyone focused on football.
He stressed that Mainoo is responsible for his performances — and that his most recent showing was a positive one.
The manager’s closing message was clear and consistent.
Cut out the noise, keep improving, help the team win, and grow as a player.
If that happens, everything else will take care of itself.
What Comes Next for Mainoo?
Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa could be a turning point.
A strong performance might silence the chatter and give Amorim exactly the selection headache he wants — the good kind.
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