Manchester United players are reportedly ‘perplexed’ by Ruben Amorim’s apparent lack of confidence in Kobbie Mainoo, particularly given his limited opportunities in the first team this season, as revealed by talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
The England international has participated in three of United’s five matches across all competitions this season, and his future at Old Trafford has recently become a topic of significant speculation.
So far in the 2025/26 season, Mainoo has made only one start under Amorim, which occurred during United’s unexpected EFL Cup second-round elimination against Grimsby Town, and he has recently lost favor with the former Sporting Lisbon manager.
Additionally, he was relegated to the bench during Sunday’s 3-0 loss in the Manchester Derby, as Amorim chose to field a midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
The 20-year-old, who is reportedly valued at approximately £60 million, has logged merely 73 minutes of Premier League action this season, with his last start in the top flight taking place on 11 May during United’s 2-0 home defeat to West Ham.
Newcastle Keeping Tabs on Mainoo
According to Crook, Mainoo was eager to depart from Man United during the summer transfer window and may be presented with an opportunity to exit Old Trafford in January.
Newcastle is reportedly monitoring the England international closely, with manager Eddie Howe recognized as a supporter of his talent.
The St James’ Park club would allegedly contemplate testing United’s determination if Mainoo remains sidelined by Amorim, who has now overseen the club’s poorest start to a season since 1992/93.
The Red Devils have garnered only four points from a possible 12 in their initial four matches and are currently positioned 14th in the standings – just one spot above their finish from the previous season.
Despite mounting pressure from both fans and analysts for the club to initiate another managerial change, it is anticipated that United will not make a decision regarding Amorim’s future in the near term, as revealed by GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs.
The Portuguese manager continues to have the support of the United board, and discussions about his job security will be taken more seriously if the Red Devils fail to be on track for European competition qualification as the season unfolds.
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