Amorim draws a line: places must be earned
Ruben Amorim has set a blunt early-season tone at Manchester United: no one gets a free pass. That includes Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old England international has not played a single minute in Uniteds opening two league fixtures, and the manager made it clear why. In his words, Mainoo has to "fight for the position" directly with captain Bruno Fernandes.
The message followed a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham. Bruno blazed a first-half penalty over the bar, Rodrigo Munizs own goal gave United a lead, and Emile Smith Rowe levelled late on. As United chased the game, Amorim did not turn to Mainoo. He instead shifted Mason Mount, who had started up front, back into midfield, brought on Benjamin Sesko for Casemiro to add punch in attack, then switched again to add Manuel Ugarte as a holding option. When he went looking for a late winner, he sent for defenders Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven to attack set pieces. Mainoo watched on.
That selection pattern tracks with Amorims preferences. He kept his structure, used Mount for extra goal threat from midfield, and returned to a single pivot when the game got messy. Bruno, even after the missed penalty, stayed on as the teams reference point between the lines. Amorim later spelled it out: Mainoos path runs straight through the captains spot, and the pecking order wont change on reputation.
So where does that leave the youngster? In the short term, the domestic cups look like his best way in. United face Grimsby in the League Cup on Wednesday, a tie where Amorim can rotate without tearing up his plans for the weekend. If Mainoo wants minutes in the league, hell likely need to bend training to his will and show he can either mirror Brunos output or offer something Amorim values more for that role.
All this comes after a false start to the season for United. An opening-day defeat to Arsenal, followed by the draw at Craven Cottage, has not eased pressure. Amorims response has been to double down on clarity: performance dictates selection. It sounds harsh when applied to a fan favourite who soared last year, but its consistent with a manager determined to protect his shape and his standards.
Tactics, hierarchy and what it means for United
To make sense of the call, look at the role at stake. In Amorims setup, the central creator must press high, connect midfield to attack, and arrive in the box. Bruno has been that fulcrum for years. Even on an off day, he occupies defenders, makes the final pass, and leads the press. Thats the lane Mainoo is being asked to take if he wants more than cameo minutes.
Mainoos profile is different. Hes calm on the half-turn, clean under pressure, and smart at changing tempo. Last season, he broke out by knitting Uniteds midfield together and showing a cool head in big moments, including a standout display and goal at Wembley in the FA Cup final. It won him an England call-up and minutes at Euro 2024. That rise lifted expectations, but it also painted him as a controller more than an out-and-out attacking ten.
Amorims substitutions at Fulham underline the trade-off. When he needed a goal, he leaned on Mounts movement and shot threat rather than adding another passer. When the game tilted, he corrected the balance with Ugarte as a clearer holding midfielder. In that equation, there wasnt a natural slot for Mainoo without pushing Bruno aside and thats not happening two games into the season.
This isnt a closed door. Amorim values versatility, and Mainoo has shown he can play as a deeper eight, not just as a pure ten. If he can sharpen his pressing triggers high up, time his runs into the box, and punch vertical passes earlier, the manager will see a version of him that fits the role now labelled "Brunos." The other path is to build trust as the first option next to a holder, especially in away games where control matters more than chaos.
Theres also the rhythm of a long season to consider. Form dips, knocks happen, and the calendar gets heavy once midweek rounds pile up. Cup ties offer low-risk windows to test ideas. If Mainoo stamps those games with authority, Amorim will have a real decision to make on league weekends. The reverse is true, too: slow cup performances and the hierarchy hardens.
Uniteds midfield picture is crowded. Casemiro still brings presence and aerial strength. Ugarte arrived to add legs and bite as a natural six. Mount offers flexibility, popping up as a nine, a runner from midfield, or an extra presser. Bruno remains the first name on the team sheet. To crack that set, Mainoo needs to be undeniable in training and ruthless in his cameos.
Theres a human side to this as well. Big summers can warp the next season for young players. After Wembley and a major tournament with England, the noise around Mainoo has been loud. Amorims stance may be a protective one as much as a competitive one: set the bar high, cut the hype, and make the process clear. For a 20-year-old, that can be bracing, but its also simple. Win your duels, carry the ball through pressure, create chances, track runners. Do it every day, not just on camera.
Supporters will want to see him sooner rather than later, and theyll get that chance if he starts against Grimsby. That game wont define his season, but it will frame the next few weeks. A sharp display would put heat on the selection board before the next league match. A quiet night and the wait may go on.
Amorim has sent the signal he wanted to send. The captain keeps the keys for now. The youngster everyone loves must knock louder. If United are going to find a new gear after a sticky start, those internal battles fair, hard, and public are exactly what the manager wants.
