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Analysis
- 4 hours ago
'Fight for your job': Amorim fires strong warning shot to Mainoo over Man Utd future
Suraj Radia
- 21 Dec 2025 08:30 CST
- 4 min read
News
Ruben Amorim has told Kobbie Mainoo to ignore the drama surrounding his future at Manchester United and ‘fight for his job’ ahead of the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game this season and his brother was seen wearing a t-shirt with the phrase ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ on it during United’s game against Bournemouth last week.
Current ETV
Kobbie Mainoo
M, DM (C)
Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo
M, DM (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€54.8M - €67M
While Amorim insisted Mainoo was not responsible for his brother’s acts, the United boss suggested that the wantaway midfielder should keep perspective over his frustration with his game time.
"Kobbie needs to fight for his job. I think that it's not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old,” Amorim said.
"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."
I don't want to show anything to anyone. I'm just saying that I'm trying to win games and to show to the players that, if you do things right, you will play no matter what the name.
- Ruben Amorim on Kobbie MainooMainoo set to push for late January transfer
Mainoo has been pushing to leave United on loan since the summer but the Red Devils have been adamant that they would only consider his departure if they received an ‘exceptional’ offer to sell him permanently.
The England international is believed to be hoping to move to Napoli or another Serie A team in January but United are not willing to let Mainoo leave the club without signing an adequate replacement.
However, Mainoo’s determination to leave may prompt the club to consider his departure despite Amorim’s desire to keep the youngster around as a backup, particularly with his game time likely to increase in the coming weeks.
With United considering deals for players such as Ruben Neves and Conor Gallagher, an exit for Mainoo could be more feasible towards the end of the window when players have also returned from the African Cup of Nations.
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