Gary Neville argues Man Utd fan favourite has been demoted to ‘fourth choice’ under Ruben Amorim, ‘it is quite clear…’

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Gary Neville is now convinced that Ruben Amorim is not “having” one first-team Manchester United star play a key role under him at Old Trafford this season.

The Red Devils have had a mixed start to the new Premier League season, with Manchester United losing 1-0 to Arsenal in their opening match of the campaign.

Following United’s result against Arsenal at Old Trafford, the Red Devils embarked on the road for their first away match in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

Fulham hosted United at Craven Cottage on the weekend and the Red Devils walked away with their first Premier League point of the campaign after a 1-1 draw.

United took the lead over Fulham in the second half after a deflected opener from Rodrigo Muniz, but Emile Smith Rowe later found the equaliser at Craven Cottage.

READ MORE: Former referee Dermot Gallagher asked about two major Fulham vs Man Utd incidents, he says ‘the evidence is there…’

Gary Neville speaks out on Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim after the Fulham result

Kobbie Mainoo has been out of the Manchester United starting XI for the opening two Premier League matches of the season under manager Ruben Amorim.

Ruben Amorim has not turned to the 20-year-old United midfielder on either occasion, with England star Kobbie Mainoo left as an unused substitute twice.

The 40-year-old United manager started both the Arsenal and Fulham matches with a midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in his tactical system.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville now believed that Mainoo has fallen to “fourth choice” in the midfield pecking order under former Sporting boss Amorim.

“I think United have to do a piece of business in central midfield,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast.

“I would have [liked] to have thought Kobbie Mainoo could step up and be that person. But it is quite clear at this moment in time, Amorim is not having him.

“He starts with Bruno and Casemiro, then he puts Mason Mount back in there and then brings Manuel Ugarte on ahead of him, which tells us he is [the] fourth choice.”

READ MORE: ‘Very frustrating’… Wayne Rooney singles out four Man Utd stars who were impacted by ‘one thing’ after Fulham result

Gary Neville speaks out on Man Utd’s midfield woes amid Kobbie Mainoo’s struggles at Old Trafford

Bruno Fernandes’ influence has waned for United in the opening two matches of the new season after he dropped into a deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro.

United have been heavily linked with signing a new midfielder and it is believed that Ruben Amorim wants a more defensive-focused option before the window closes.

United legend Neville insisted that the Red Devils have a real “problem” with their midfield now and the club need to strengthen before the transfer window shuts.

“That means they are going to have to get something sorted because it is a problem,” he explained.

“The two in there, they do get exposed when the front three are a little bit higher and that back five gets pushed back. Acres of space can open up.”

United are 16th in the Premier League table and the Red Devils’ next match in the league will be played on Saturday against Burnley at Old Trafford.