Rúben Amorim has issued the latest on Kobbie Mainoo’s future after the English star did not feature for Manchester United against Arsenal.
Manchester United are on the road for the first time in the 2025/26 season as Rúben Amorim takes his side to face Fulham in West London.
The Reds opened their league campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Old Trafford, though the performance gave cause for optimism.
New arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo impressed on their first starts, while striker Benjamin Šeško made his debut for the club.
Amorim will be looking for his team to build on that showing and secure their first victory of the season.
Amorim issues update on Mainoo’s future
Against Arsenal, many were surprised to see that when United were 1-0 down with 25 minutes left to play, Amorim chose to substitute Casemiro for Manuel Ugarte, instead of Kobbie Mainoo.
Ugarte went on to have a very poor performance in the middle of the park, adding little to United’s creativity while the side were searching for a goal. With this coming at the same time as Mainoo needing a new contract, this has led to many worrying about Mainoo’s long-term future at Unite.d
Ahead of the Fulham tie, Amorim hosted his usual pre-match press conference in the new Carrington training complex, and he was asked whether or not there is an update as to the 20-year-old’s contract talks, to which the head coach admitted that he has not heard anything, but that it’s United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox’s, area.
“That part is with Jason,” Amorim responded. “He is our player. He has a contract. I didn’t hear any news about that.”
Mainoo has a future at United, says Amorim
Furthermore, the United boss was asked whether Mainoo has a genuine future at United, considering his lack of consistent involvement in Amorim’s signings since the head coach joined in November.
Amorim replied by admitting that although Mainoo is not currently the first-choice midfielder, the youngsters have to understand that there are multiple phases throughout the season where he will be heavily relied upon.
“He had some issues. We play with two midfielders, and sometimes it is a different way of playing,” Amorim explained. “So we are trying.
“They have to understand, the young players, there is phases in the season. Nowaday,s this is normal, with a lot of games, things are going to change. But he is there, he is fighting, he is training. He is one more option for us to win games.”
Mainoo struggled with injuries last season, many of which came at crucial points in the campaign. Although he may have to fight his way up the pecking order at Old Trafford, the young star’s clear abilities can shine through.
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