Amorim counsels Mainoo on bench role as United future and January links simmer

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo received a blunt piece of guidance from Ruben Amorim, who told him there is no shame in a bench role at the club and urged him to ignore the surrounding noise about his future. Amorim pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Juan Sebastián Verón as former United players who spent time on the bench before building their places in the team, using their experiences to frame the situation for the 20-year-old.

Mainoo has not started a Premier League game this season, with all 11 of his appearances coming as a substitute. He could be handed a rare opportunity against Aston Villa on Sunday in the absence of Casemiro through suspension, though Napoli are reported to be at the front of the queue to sign him in the January window. The midfielder’s half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, drew attention by wearing a Free Kobbie Mainoo T-shirt during Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, a moment Amorim said he wanted to avoid turning into drama.

Amorim framed the discussion around performance and squad needs, stressing that being on the bench at a young age is not a reflection of talent and that selection can hinge on fit for a specific game. He recalled his own managerial approach in which a bench decision is about maximizing a team’s chances to win, and he said he would be delighted if Mainoo used a forthcoming opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting XI. Beyond the immediate game, Amorim emphasized a focus on winning and on helping Kobbie develop as a player rather than chasing headlines.

Amorim also drew on his experiences at Sporting Lisbon to explain the need to shield young players from distractions and to avoid the nonsense and noise surrounding a high-profile academy prospect. He said his priority is to help Manchester United win while guiding Kobbie toward improvement, and he noted that the January window will factor into how the club balances short-term results with long-term development. Napoli’s interest in Mainoo adds another layer to the decision-making, underscoring the broader questions about his path at Old Trafford.

The episode underscores the broader tension around youth integration at a top club, where a player’s ceiling must be balanced against immediate squad needs and transfer-market considerations. As United prepare for a pivotal run of fixtures, Mainoo’s form in training and in any chance he gets on the field will influence not only his standing at United but also the character of any potential January move. The conversations around his role highlight how bench time, performance, and off-field noise shape the trajectory of a young player amid sustained title challenges.

Meanwhile, the club remains focused on results as it navigates a busy schedule and the looming winter window.