Several Manchester United fans offered their verdict on Kobbie Mainoo’s cameo performance against Burnley after the youngster fell out of favour with now-former head coach Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo was likely pleased to learn that Amorim had been sacked on Monday (January 5), with the England international yet to start a Premier League game under the Portuguese during the 2025/26 campaign.
The youngster had not featured since United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on December 15 - during which his brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, caused controversy by wearing a t-shirt with the words “Free Kobbie Mainoo” printed on it – due to a calf injury before he was reintroduced to the squad by interim boss Darren Fletcher for United’s trip to Turf Moor on Wednesday (January 7).
Mainoo replaced Casemiro on 74 minutes with the score at 2-2, but failed to make a positive impact on the game, while fellow United academy graduate Shea Lacey showed signs of promise, hitting the bar with a long-range effort late in the game.
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Twenty-year-old Mainoo lost possession three times, touching the ball 27 times, and was criticised by commentator and ex-United captain Gary Neville for a wayward shot in the closing stages of the game, which relieved a spell of Red Devils pressure on the home side’s goal.
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The youngster would’ve hoped to have had a more positive impact on the game than what he did although he will likely be afforded more opportunities to play now that Amorim has departed.
Fans were also quick to offer their thoughts on Mainoo’s performance, and it’s fair to say many were not impressed.
One said: “No wonder Amorim didn’t play Mainoo. Awful. Can’t pass. Stop the narrative that he’s amazing.”
Another added: “Not a fan of Kobbie Mainoo’s miraculous recovery. When you hear he wants £200k a week after a breakthrough year, asking to go out on loan, his family and t-shirts, social media activity, and now sudden recoveries, you have to ask if this lad has spent too long with Garnacho.”
A third commented: “Good to see Mainoo came on and had an absolute worldie by the way. Second coming of Zidane, that lad. Give him £500k a week to stay. Wooooooo!”
While a fourth claimed: “Mixed performance. Lazy passes and slow at times.
“However, showed moments of strength and control. Given he hasn’t played in a while, it was what I expected. He needs to offer more, but must be given time.”
United return to action against Brighton in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford on 11 January, before taking on Manchester City in the Premier League on 17 January.
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, Ruben Amorim, Gary Neville
Luke Davies