RUBEN AMORIM has told Kobbie Mainoo to fight for his place in the Manchester United starting line-up amid claims that he is open to a move away from Old Trafford.
Mainoo is yet to make a single appearance for United this term.
The 20-year-old was confined to the bench in their opening two games, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro preferred in the centre of midfield.
And now he is understood to be considering a move away.
A report from talkSPORT claims that Mainoo could leave Man Utd if a suitable offer is received during the final week of the summer window.
Amorim has assured Mainoo that he will get his opportunity in the starting XI this term if he continues fighting for his place.
Speaking after United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday, the United boss explained: “He’s fighting for the position now with Bruno and I change two midfielders.
“I let Mason Mount [play] there because we want to score a goal and when I changed I felt the team need to return to one holding midfielder near Bruno.
“So he (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno, as [it] should be at Manchester United.
“He’s going to play with Bruno, but at the moment he’s fighting in training with Bruno for the position.”
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Should Mainoo be sold, he will account for 100 per cent profit due to the fact he graduated from the club’s academy.
Chelsea were linked with a move for the 20-year-old earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the Guardian claimed that he would be tempted by a move abroad.
Man Utd fans criticised head coach Amorim on Sunday for his treatment of Mainoo.
One person said: “Kobbie Mainoo is being treated like he’s United’s fourth best midfielder, it’s shocking.”
While another noted: “Amorim seems determined to try everyone in central midfield except for Mainoo, becoming a curious situation.”
The Red Devils next face Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
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