An English sports pundit has suggested that he knows the reason why Kobbie Mainoo is not being trusted to start for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.
Kobbie Mainoo has not started any games for Manchester United in the Premier League so far this season, with all of his appearances coming off the bench.
Since the start of the season, Mainoo has struggled to make his way into Ruben Amorim’s starting 11, with the Portuguese manager utilising other midfield options instead. The likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes seem to be favoured more greatly by the United head coach.
Football pundit Richard Keys has revealed that he knows the true reason why Mainoo is struggling to pick up minutes, with the issue lying in the 20-year-old’s mobility.
The England international has watched United’s highs and lows this season from the bench, and despite issues in midfield arising, Amorim has rarely called upon the youngster, with the talks of a January departure up in the air for the player, considering the 2026 World Cup is approaching.
Does Mainoo have issues with his mobility?
On Keys’ blog, he alluded to the idea that he knew the reason why Mainoo was able to get game time at United, and the answer simply lay in that Mainoo isn’t “mobile enough” to play at Amorim’s football standard, with the potential transfer in January looking the best option for Mainoo to utilise his skills.
“I learned at the weekend why Amorim won’t play Mainoo, who sadly will leave United now – probably in January,” the pundit wrote.
“Amorim believes he can’t get around the pitch – that Mainoo isn’t mobile enough. I’ve heard some baffling nonsense from this generation of coaches, and this is right up there. Not mobile enough? So Amorim picks Casemiro instead? If it wasn’t so sad, it would be laughable.”
Many people are shocked by this discovery, with the opinion that Mainoo lacks mobility in comparison to older players like Casemiro or Ugarte.
Is a transfer on the cards for Mainoo
Many people believe that it is in Mainoo’s best interest to leave his childhood club in the upcoming transfer window. While a disappointing decision considering he is a graduate of United’s academy system, to remain on the bench in what should be the prime of his career would massively limit the footballer’s career progression.
Even though Mainoo is unable to find himself a secure place in the squad, Amorim will inevitably want to keep Mainoo at Old Trafford as a safety net; however, this should not influence Mainoo to stay.
United rejected a loan bid from Italian side Napoli this summer, with Mainoo’s former United teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund both at the club. Napoli is in a much better position than United, playing in the Champions League and currently at the top of the Serie A.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.