Kobbie Mainoo has been restricted to limited game time under boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United this season despite an impressive breakthrough 2023/24 campaign
Man United could receive offers for Kobbie Mainoo in January(Image: Paul Currie/Shutterstock)
Former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison has criticised Ruben Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo, having consistently snubbed him from the starting XI. The academy graduate has been limited to reduced game time this season, losing his place in the team.
The 20‑year‑old broke through from the academy in the 2023/24 season but is yet to start a Premier League game for United this campaign. He has played just 212 minutes as a substitute and even came close to leaving Old Trafford in the summer.
United are expecting approaches for the youngster in the New Year, though only an ‘exceptional offer’ will force the club to consider selling. Meanwhile, Morrison, who also came through the academy, struggled to nail down a regular spot despite being tipped for greatness at the club.
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With Mainoo experiencing something similar, Morrison has questioned Amorim’s treatment of the midfielder.
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, he said: “They’re taking the p***. He’s a top player isn’t he? I know you can’t really say it’s bad just coming on for a minute.
“But I don’t know if they brought him on just to take the p*** just for a minute because he should really be playing a lot more than that.
“He needs a run of games because you’ve seen the level he can play at. Do you know what I mean? But he does need a run of games.”
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a game for Man United this season(Image: Getty Images)
The 32-year-old then went on to aim a cheeky dig at the Portuguese head coach, adding: “You know what? I don’t know what system United play. I only watch Arsenal isn’t it?”
After making only three senior appearances for United, Morrison went on to feature for Birmingham, QPR, Cardiff and Lazio.
Amorim, on the other hand, has urged Mainoo to fight for his place in the team, but it remains to be seen if he will remain at Old Trafford through to the end of the January transfer window.
“Kobbie needs to fight for his job,” Amorim said this week. “I think that it’s not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old.
“I remember [Cristiano] Ronaldo was on the bench, [Wayne] Rooney was on the bench sometimes. [Juan Sebastian] Veron was not playing. I remember all the history of Manchester United and [there is] nobody this didn’t fall [to], so let’s continue in trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise.
“Believe it or not, I just want to want to help the team to win and help Kobbie to be a better player.”
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