Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim Names Kobbie Mainoo as Club’s Future Star

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly reaffirmed his belief that Kobbie Mainoo is “the future” of the club, addressing ongoing speculation about the England midfielder ’s role amid a challenging 2025-26 season for both player and club. The comments from Amorim come against a backdrop of limited playing opportunities for the 20-year-old, injury setbacks, and swirling transfer rumours ahead of the January window.

Despite being heralded as one of Manchester United’s brightest young prospects and a product of the club’s esteemed academy, Mainoo has yet to start in a single Premier League fixture this season. He has, however, made 12 appearances across competitions, including a start in the Carabao Cup, underscoring his peripheral but still present involvement in the first-team picture. Currently sidelined with a calf injury, Mainoo will miss United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United, further delaying any chance of breaking into the starting XI. Amorim’s remarks signal United’s intent to nurture the young midfielder rather than push him out for short-term relief. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Amorim expressed confidence in Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United.

Opportunities Ahead for Mainoo

“Kobbie Mainoo will have the opportunity, he has all the time,” Amorim said.

He highlighted the youngster’s versatility on the field:

“He played in different positions, and we talk about the position of Casemiro, he can do that position.

"If you play with three (in midfield), he can play like we played in the last game – the position of Mason Mount in this game, he can play there."

Looking ahead, Amorim praised Mainoo’s potential:

"So, in the future, he's going to be the future of Manchester United. That is my feeling.

"So you just need to wait for each chance and everything can change in football in two days."

"It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution," the Portuguese said.

"We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen."

Manchester United are seventh in the league with 26 points from 17 games.

With Manchester United currently seventh in the Premier League, the club faces mounting pressure to balance short-term results with long-term squad development. Injuries have compounded this challenge, with key figures such as captain Bruno Fernandes also sidelined, and several players away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The comments on Mainoo arrive amid persistent loan and transfer speculation, with some reports suggesting interest from other top clubs looking for rising talent. Nonetheless, Amorim’s stance is clear: Mainoo will stay and play when the moment is right. The manager’s approach seems to prioritize patient development, acknowledging that Mainoo’s path to regular starting opportunities may not be linear but remains important to United’s future strategy.

Mainoo’s situation encapsulates a broader narrative at Manchester United this season, where ambition to integrate youth clashes with the immediate demands of competitive English football. Whether Mainoo’s promise will translate into a breakthrough remains to be seen, but Amorim’s endorsement suggests that the club is committed to building around his potential rather than sidelining it.