Kobbie Mainoo Leaving Manchester United? Ruben Amorim Makes Bruno Fernandes Admission

Last Updated:August 25, 2025, 20:04 IST

Kobbie Mainoo faces competition from Bruno Fernandes for a Manchester United spot, as manager Ruben Amorim prioritises midfield changes after a 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim (AP)

Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United is uncertain, as manager Ruben Amorim has revealed the midfielder is competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the team.

Mainoo, an England international, has not featured for United this season, missing both the opening-day defeat by Arsenal and Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Is Kobbie Mainoo Leaving Manchester United?

The 20-year-old was overlooked by Amorim at Craven Cottage as United sought a victory after Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe equalised following Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal, which had given the visitors the lead.

When Amorim substituted Casemiro for new striker Benjamin Sesko, he moved Mason Mount, who had started up front, back into midfield.

The Portuguese manager then replaced Mount with Manuel Ugarte before bringing on defenders Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven in search of a winner.

Fernandes missed a first-half penalty, sending it over the crossbar, but his position as a first-team regular remains secure. A League Cup appearance against Grimsby on Wednesday appears to be the best Mainoo can hope for in the short term.

“He is fighting for the position now with Bruno," said Amorim. “I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal.

“And then when I changed it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder.

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

Amorim said his players abandoned their attacking principles after taking the lead, claiming their defensive mentality cost them victory at Craven Cottage.

“We scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play. We want to win so badly and that is a good feeling, that we scored a goal and everyone on the pitch was thinking, ‘Let’s hold onto the advantage and try to win the game’," Amorim was quoted as saying to BBC.

“For me that is the moment that we have to enjoy more and push the opponent. We tried to press the opponent super high and left a lot of space.

“We have to grow up a lot as a team. For me the most important thing is that during the week they were working really hard. Today we worked really hard and we are going to improve. The moment that changed the game was our goal," he added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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First Published:

August 25, 2025, 20:04 IST

News sports Kobbie Mainoo Leaving Manchester United? Ruben Amorim Makes Bruno Fernandes Admission

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