Kobbie Mainoo is determined to fight for his future at Manchester United.
The England international has endured a season to forget at Old Trafford, failing to start a single Premier League game.
An injury for Bruno Fernandes has opened the door for him to return to the first-team but in a cruel twist, Mainoo has missed United’s last three games with an injury of his own. In all, he has started just 16 of Amorim’s 51 matches in charge in Manchester.
Mainoo attempted to leave United on loan during the final days of the summer transfer window, desperate for regular first-team football to ensure he is in contention for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad heading to the World Cup next summer.
While Mainoo was open to a temporary move in January with Napoli his preferred destination, Fernandes’ injury means there is little chance United will sanction a move unless a replacement is signed.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
Ruben Amorim has persistently defended his decision to not regularly start the 20-year-old. Tensions rose again during the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in December when the midfielder’s half-brother was spotted wearing a shirt bearing the message ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ for the world to see.
While the relationship between Amorim and Mainoo is strained, the United academy graduate is determined not to give up, according to The Sun.
Citing sources close to the player, Mainoo is now determined to revive his career at Old Trafford.
After a dismal draw with Wolves on Tuesday, United return to action away to Leeds United on Sunday with hope Mainoo will have shaken off his knock in time for that trip to Elland Road.
Mainoo’s decision comes after United legend Ryan Giggs urged him to ignore calls to leave from old teammates Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and instead fight for his place.
‘I can see where the lads [Scholes and Butt] are coming from,’ Giggs told Metro via betting comparison site BetSelect.
‘As a footballer, you want to play. But I would have more patience because he is only 20, and it is difficult to play centre midfield for Man United. It’s like a striker. You don’t see many really young strikers playing for Man United because it is difficult.
‘We all feel that he should be getting more minutes, but he needs to be patient. He’s still young, he’s still learning the game. And when he does get his chance, he needs to take it. So I’d like to see him stay.’
