Ruben Amorim explains why Kobbie Mainoo has not played a single minute for Man Utd in 2025-26 so far as academy graduate is set daunting challenge

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Ruben Amorim has revealed Kobbie Mainoo is yet to feature for Manchester United so far this season because he is currently behind Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order.

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Mainoo, 20, has remained on the substitutes' bench during United's first two Premier League fixtures of the 2025-26 season. The Red Devils fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in their opener before picking up their first league point of the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

When asked if Mainoo has failed to make an appearance so far due to a lack of rhythm, Amorim insisted it is actually because the academy graduate is competing for a place in his starting eleven with captain Fernandes.

WHAT AMORIM SAID

In his post-match press conference following United's draw with Fulham, Amorim clarified Mainoo's situation, saying: “No, he is fighting for the position now with Bruno (Fernandes). And I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal. And then when I change it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mainoo enjoyed a remarkable rise after first emerging through United's academy in 2023. The Stockport-born midfielder made 32 appearances in all competitions in 2023-24, scoring the winner as his side lifted the FA Cup that season under former manager Erik ten Hag, before going on to help England reach the final of the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Amorim could shuffle his pack and hand Mainoo a start when United travel to League Two side Grimsby Town in the second round of the League Cup on Wednesday. The 20-time league champions then take on Burnley in the Premier League at Old Trafford on August 30.