Premier League: Why isn’t Kobbie Mainoo in Man United’s squad against Aston Villa?

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has not been included in the matchday squad for the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Man United boss Ruben Amorim confirmed ahead of the match that Mainoo’s absence was due to an injury he suffered in training on Saturday.

«He went to the doctor,» Amorim said Air sports. ‘He’s got something in his calf.

“We will assess it, but he is out of this match.

«Of course (it’s bad timing) not only for the team but also for him to have this problem. These are reminders that we have to focus on everything we can control and leave the rest to fate.»

«He’s going to be fine in the coming weeks, I think, I don’t know. Let’s focus on the players we have who are ready to play,» Amorim added.

Several media reports have speculated that Mainoo will leave the club in the January transfer window due to a lack of sufficient minutes under Amorim.

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Mainoo’s half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames was spotted wearing the striking T-shirt and saying ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ during United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, where the midfielder came on for the final half hour on Monday.

Amorim, however, dismissed speculation that Mainoo would bear the brunt of his half-brother’s actions, saying that if «he is the right man, he will play.»

Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League match this season and has been limited to 11 appearances off the bench, but Amorim made it clear the t-shirt would have no impact on the team selection at Aston Villa on Sunday.

«No, it wasn’t Kobbie who wore the t-shirt. He’s not going to start because of the t-shirt, but he’s not going to the bench because of the t-shirt. He’s going to play if we think he’s the right man to play,» Amorim told reporters.

(input from Reuters)

Published on December 21, 2025