Manchester United academy product Kobbie Mainoo is suddenly the subject of scrutiny from some fans at Old Trafford, and Ruben Amorim has his own private opinion amid talk of a contract extension
A portion of fickle Manchester United fans have started to turn on Kobbie Mainoo following a dip in form.
It wasn’t long ago the 19-year-old was boarding a flight to Euro 2024 and almost unanimously considered one of the building blocks key to United’s future. That’s still the stance taken by many supporters of the club, though a string of sub-par performances have convinced others to turn on their homegrown star already.
Those same detractors may be disappointed to hear talk of a new contract for the player. Mainoo is currently tied to the Red Devils until the summer of 2027, and the long-term future of a potential England staple is sure to become a fiercer talking point in the coming months.
Ruben Amorim may be new at the Theatre of Dreams, but he’s set to have a big say in that regard as he looks to mould a squad with his own vision. And Mirror Sport breaks down the recent push-back against Mainoo and Amorim’s real opinion of the player as he looks to thrive under the Portuguese.
Fan furore
There isn’t a player at Old Trafford who has consistently delivered since Amorim’s arrival in late November, and Mainoo is no different. The youngster was targeted by online critics for his contribution in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth, in particular for gifting the ball for the Cherries’ third and final finish.
He also failed to have much impact off the bench as United lost 4-3 at Tottenham three days prior to exit the Carabao Cup, with some suggesting Mainoo hasn’t evolved after breaking out last term. One jab suggested the gem has “looked completely off,” while another comment read: “We’re beginning to see that he’s limited.”
Some have even suggested a change of position is needed, with some calling for the player (a former forward) to be pushed further upfield. Others believe he should be benched altogether so that Casemiro can be reinstated alongside Manuel Ugarte, who is a clear favourite for Amorim following their time together at Sporting CP.
It’s worth highlighting Mainoo has been backed by an equal proportion of fans who believe he adds value, if not overwhelmingly in favour of the player. And the resulting online debate saw his name trend on X in the days after the latest Bournemouth loss.
Ruben Amorim stance
But none of that appears to represent the feelings of Amorim, who is reported to be a major proponent of Mainoo’s play. Journalist Fabrizio Romano recently gave his account of what are supposedly Amorim’s private thoughts on the player, and it’s evident the new arrival holds the player in high regard.
“Kobbie Mainoo is a crucial player for Manchester United owners, directors, and for Manchester United staff,” said Romano on his YouTube channel in November. “Ruben Amorim loves these kind of players. Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro… these sort of players are exactly the direction he wants to take for Man Utd’s future.”
Mainoo was an unused substitute in Amorim’s Premier League debut against Ipswich Town but has since started four of United’s past five top-flight games. He’s also played the full 90 minutes in three of those, suggesting Amorim feels secure in the midfielder’s ability to adapt based on different playing scenarios.
Contract latest
Despite any recent uproar from a vocal minority of fans, a new deal seems all but inevitable for Mainoo. The player was still months from his first-team breakthrough when he signed his first professional deal in February 2023, and his situation has changed drastically since then.
Sky Sports reported in September that new deals for him and team-mate Amad Diallo were United’s major priorities. What’s more, Romano reported the player is very content in his current setting, so while talks are yet to gather much speed just yet, all the signs are encouraging.
“So the new contract of Mainoo is going to be an important topic in the next few weeks and months,” he said last month in regards to a possible extension. “Man United are still working on it. We are not yet at the final stages but the conversation remains ongoing and the conversation remains positive on both player and club sides.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more