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

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

When asked if Mainoo has failed to make an appearance due to a lack of rhythm, Amorim explained the United academy graduate is actually competing with captain Fernandes for the same place in his starting eleven, with the Portuguese seemingly unenthusiastic about the idea of the midfield pair starting together.

In his post-match press conference following United's draw with Fulham, Amorim clarified Mainoo's situation, saying: “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.

"So he (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United."

Mainoo enjoyed a remarkable rise after first emerging through United's academy in 2023. The Stockport-born central 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 Euro 2024 in Germany.

Amorim could shuffle his pack and hand Mainoo a start when United travel to Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. The Old Trafford club then play host to Burnley in the Premier League on August 30.