Kobbie Mainoo’s brother made a statement as Manchester United threw away a lead three times in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth
Connor O’Neill, Amie Wilson and Neil Docking
07:43, 16 Dec 2025
It was another disappointing night for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United and now he has another problem to deal with(Image: Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo’s brother delivered a pointed message to Ruben Amorim and Manchester United during the chaotic Premier League showdown with Bournemouth.
The midfielder hasn’t featured in United’s starting XI for any of their 16 Premier League fixtures this campaign, with his sole start coming in the Carabao Cup loss at Grimsby. United icon Paul Scholes warned the England international that his career is “being ruined” through lack of game time under Amorim, hinting he should contemplate departing Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign in 2023/24, netting the decisive goal in the FA Cup final and securing his place in the England squad. Speculation about a January departure from Old Trafford is gathering pace following Mainoo’s rejected summer transfer plea, reports the Mirror, and has only intensified after United’s shocking defensive performance last night.
Kobbie Mainoo’s brother Jordan wearing a T-shirt which says ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’(Image: Instagram / @jxrdan)
His sibling, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, has now used social media to post an image of himself donning a “FREE KOBBIE MAINOO” T-shirt at Old Trafford during United’s dramatic 4-4 draw on Monday evening.
When questioned before Monday’s fixture about whether Mainoo had approached him regarding a possible loan switch, Amorim replied: “If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him.
“I’m not going to say what I’m going to say to Kobbie but I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that. I just want my players happy and I understand that every individual has their goals.
Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“The frustration [of any player] doesn’t help anybody. But again, the focus is [Bournemouth] and we will see if that happens.
“I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players but about that subject, no I didn’t speak with him. I am completely open [to talk].
“I know that for you guys there are some players that you believe in a lot and I believe a lot but sometimes I have to make choices,” he added.
“We play with two midfielders. We could change in the future but Kobbie Mainoo is playing in the same position as Bruno Fernandes and sometimes it’s really hard to take Bruno Fernandes out of the team and that is the only reason.”
Kobbie Mainoo could be on his way out of Manchester United(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Mainoo entered the fray in place of Casemiro just after the hour mark during United’s 4-4 draw with Andoni Iraola’s side. His arrival was greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the Old Trafford faithful.
United broke the deadlock through Amad in the 13th minute before Antoine Semenyo drew the visitors level. United managed to reach half-time ahead thanks to Casemiro’s effort.
Two quick-fire goals from Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier completely turned the match on its head early in the second period. However, Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick and Matheus Cunha’s effort within two minutes of each other once again swung the momentum back towards United with 10 minutes of regular time left.
The final strike of the encounter would, nevertheless, belong to Bournemouth. Eli Junior Kroupi salvaged a point with his 84th minute goal, heaping more pressure on Amorim.
