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Fabrizio Romano updates Kobbie Mainoo situation at Man Utd, as the player is ‘disappointed’

Originally posted on HITC | By Vatsal Gupta | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:11 PM ET

Kobbie Mainoo’s lack of playing time under Ruben Amorim has become a major talking point around Manchester United, and Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation.

Mainoo’s absence against Arsenal was seen as a tactical decision, but his continued omission against Fulham raised more questions.

Despite Bruno Fernandes struggling through one of his worst performances for the club, the 20-year-old midfielder stayed on the bench while all five substitutes were used.

After the match, Amorim explained that the British prospect is now “competing with Bruno Fernandes,” but that reasoning did not sit well given how poorly the captain was playing.

Despite five substitutions, Mainoo remained on the bench, fueling reports of his potential departure. Regarding that, Fabrizio Romano provides an update on his future as Man United take a crucial step.

Kobbie Mainoo latest at Man Utd

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Amorim’s decision to sideline Mainoo lacks any discernible mitigating factors. United’s board must address this situation with the coach promptly to prevent the potentially disastrous loss of a highly promising prospect.

According to Romano on his YouTube channel, the midfielder will meet with club officials soon as they look to take control of the situation.

“Kobbie Mainoo is not happy to sit on the bench and play zero minutes. But I can guarantee that there are no negotiations, no bids, and no active talks for him to leave Man Utd.”

He added: “The player is disappointed. It’s not an easy situation to handle. Man Utd still hope to control the situation. They hope to speak to Mainoo, to explain to him the situation around him.

“Let’s wait for the next steps, but for now, the situation is quite calm around Mainoo.”

Mainoo situation could shift dynamics between Ineos and Amorim

Mainoo’s lack of playing time has not sparked any serious transfer movement yet, which is not surprising given how late it is in the window and how early we are into the season.

It has only been two matches, so while there is clear frustration building, it has not reached a breaking point just yet.

But what stands out is Romano’s comment about United planning to sit down with Mainoo to explain what is going on around him.

That suggests the club may be stepping in between Amorim and Mainoo rather than simply backing their manager without question.

Ineos have been in lockstep with Amorim on most issues so far, but this could be where they need to draw a line.

This is not about player power overriding the manager. It is about a sensible club protecting their long-term interests over short-term decisions made by a coach who might not outlast the player he is sidelining.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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