Ruben Amorim has shown a distinct lack of faith in Kobbie Mainoo so far this season.
Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo has endured a slow start to 2025-26, struggling to earn a starting opportunity.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has been unconvinced, viewing Mainoo as his fourth choice midfielder behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
There was even a moment in the draw with Fulham where Amorim played Mason Mount in midfield, with Mainoo left on the bench for all 90 minutes.
Amorim has said he wants to help Mainoo improve as a player, but it is tough to do so without game time.
Nicky Butt’s comments on Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United hero Nicky Butt was working in the Manchester United academy when Kobbie Mainoo was progressing through the system.
Butt told Prime Video that he and his staff were immediately taken aback by Mainoo’s talent and composure.
He said: “The first time we saw Kobbie we all thought he was a top player. Kobbie was different, Kobbie was very talented, very mature.
“Every weekend, every month, every year, he used to get better and better.”
Butt’s comments are quite fascinating as they point to Mainoo’s continual improvement as a player, year after year, that has led to his unstoppable rise to this point.
However, Mainoo’s development is at risk of stalling, due to a lack of game time.
Amorim is at risk of stalling the progress of one of United’s best prospects by not playing him, and he is also missing out on seeing Mainoo developing in real time.
Mainoo has been frustrated with a lack of opportunities and was even considering leaving United at the end of the recent transfer window.
Nicky Butt has queried handling of Kobbie Mainoo
Nicky Butt recently called out Ruben Amorim’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo, speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.
He said: “I don’t think he’s been respected the way he should’ve been, Kobbie.
“He’s a young boy, I get that, he’s gone off the boil a little bit, I get that, but he’s flew onto the scene, he’s playing for England – he’s a top, top player.
“Any club would want him, and he’s been brushed to the side.”
Mainoo’s patience is certainly being tested at present, but he has to trust that between now and January, there will be chances for him to show what he can do.
It is up to him to make the most of his chances and prove to Amorim that the more he plays him, the better he will get.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
