Ruben Amorim believes Koby Mainu is Manchester United’s future, despite speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future.
Amorim has not started for Mainu in the Premier League this season, his last league start coming in the 2-0 loss to West Ham in May.
The injury to Bruno Fernandes, who Amorim described as Mainu’s competition, could give the 20-year-old a chance once he recovers from a calf injury, with the head coach insisting he believes the player’s future lies at Old Trafford.
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Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth and Kabe Solhekor discuss whether Bruno Fernandes’ injury will give Koby Mainu a chance to shine at Manchester United
“Koby Mainu will always have a chance,” Amorim said at a press conference ahead of the Boxing Day game against Newcastle, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports.
“He played in different positions. We talked about Casemiro’s position. He can do that. If he plays in a three, he can play there, like he played in Mason Mount’s position in the last game.”
“He’s going to be the future of Manchester United. That’s how I feel. He just has to wait for his chance and in two days everything in football could change.”
Mainu is unlikely to step down in January
Koby Mainu’s younger brother wears a ‘Free Koby Mainu’ T-shirt amid speculation over the midfielder’s future
Mainu’s lack of game time under Amorim has sparked interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, with the England international being touted both on loan and permanently.
However, with Fernandes injured and players unavailable for the African Cup of Nations, Amorim admits it is unlikely that Mainu will be allowed to leave in January.
“If we don’t get someone, it will be difficult[to let Mainu go]. We are short,” Amorim said.
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has described his reaction to the ‘Free Koby Mainu’ T-shirt Jordan Mainu James wore to support his half-brother during the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
“Even if we had a full squad, we don’t have enough time considering anything that could happen here.
“We are a club with a huge responsibility. We are dealing with all these issues and in everyone’s mind we need to win every game. There are no excuses. So if we can’t get replacements it will be difficult to leave the club.”
“A few days before (the injury) we were talking about Koby not having the playing time he deserves or needs. Then you have an opportunity and Koby isn’t there.
“Sometimes you just get unlucky, and there have been some moments this year where we’ve been a little bit unlucky.”
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United stick to January plan
Due to their lack of strength, United may be forced to be aggressive in the January transfer window, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo being one of the clubs interested.
Amorim insists the club will stick to its plans regarding any potential business, so if a deal were to materialize it would not be done in a hurry.
“We are struggling at the moment, but the club has a plan and we will stick to it,” he stressed.
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that he will not be able to replace Bruno Fernandes and does not know how long the star midfielder will be out injured.
“If there is an opportunity to bring in a player who we think is the future of the club, he will come.
“If you look at the squad, we need to get more quality out of that group when we have a full squad. If we can bring in good players, and even if we don’t, we’re going to spend money in the summer.”
