Man Utd's Amorim Confirms Mainoo Competing With Fernandes For Starting Spot

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting position in the team's central midfield. Mainoo has been left on the bench for consecutive Premier League matches, including a 1-1 draw against Fulham and a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, as Amorim prefers a formation that typically features one holding midfielder alongside Fernandes. Amorim explained that tactical decisions, such as introducing Mason Mount in an attacking midfield role or deploying defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, have influenced Mainoo's limited playing time. Despite this, Mainoo is expected to feature in the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Grimsby Town, having started only 15 of Amorim's 44 matches since the coach's appointment. The team has struggled offensively, scoring just one goal from open play in four pre-season matches since striker Rasmus Hojlund was dropped. Amorim insists the competition between Mainoo and Fernandes is healthy and typical for a club like Manchester United, with Mainoo needing to continue fighting for his place in training and matches.