Amorim: Mainoo Must ‘Fight for Job’ – and January Signings Possible

Manchester United’s Young Midfielder Faces Competition

Manchester United

manager Ruben Amorim has sent a clear message to 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo: he must fight for his place in the team. Mainoo, who has been a subject of interest this season due to his lack of Premier League starts, was brought on in the chaotic 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on Monday. His half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, wore a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ t-shirt in support of his sibling, which went viral.
Amorim has emphasized that there is no issue with Mainoo, but rather a desire for the player to prove himself and earn a regular spot in the team. “He’s a shy boy, but it’s not his responsibility,” Amorim said. “He’s responsible for his acts and his act was to play well in the last game, so I’m just focused on that.”
The manager also drew parallels with other Manchester United legends who faced similar challenges early in their careers. “I think that it’s not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old,” Amorim said. “I remember (Cristiano) Ronaldo was on the bench, (Wayne) Rooney was on the bench sometimes. (Juan Sebastian) Veron was not playing. I remember all the history of Manchester United and (there is) nobody this didn’t fall (to), so let’s continue in trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise.”

January Signings a Possibility

Amorim also hinted that Manchester United may look to bolster their squad in the January transfer window. The club has been linked with several players, including Bournemouth‘s Antoine Semenyo, whom Amorim described as a “special player.” While the manager refused to confirm any specific targets, he emphasized that the club would only consider exceptional bids for Mainoo in January.
“We’ll see,” Amorim said when asked if the club had told him there is money for January business. “The only thing we know is that we only would try to bring players that we think are going to be the future. It’s not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for AFCON. It’s not going to be like that.”

Upcoming Match Against Aston Villa

Manchester United will face Aston Villa on Sunday, with Amorim confirming that Mainoo may start in the match. The team is without six first-team players due to a mixture of injury, suspension, and Africa Cup of Nations action.
“I don’t want to show anything to anyone,” Amorim said. “I’m just saying that I’m trying to win games and to show to the players that, if you do things right, you will play no matter what the name.”

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