A ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ t-shirt worn by the Manchester United midfielder’s brother will not jeopardize the England international’s chances of playing for the Premier League club, coach Ruben Amorim said on Friday.
Mainoo’s half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames was spotted wearing the striking T-shirt during United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, where the midfielder came on for the final half hour on Monday.
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.
READ ALSO: Liverpool boss Slot says he and Salah have had a turbulent week
«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.
«So that’s not a problem. I’ve been here for a year; it’s not new. We have to deal with it, but I’m not going to do anything to Kobbie because someone in his family does something.»
«It will be the same. If he is the right man to play, he will play.»
FERNANDES ‘HURTED’ BY UNITED
Amorim is also dealing with the dissatisfaction of captain Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese midfielder told Canal 11 that he was hurt because the club wanted him to leave when Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League showed interest.
Fernandes said he could have left during the pre-season transfer window, but he stayed not only for his family but also because he ‘genuinely’ loved the club.
«He said what he feels. We already know the sound, but he spoke to the board and I think everything is clear,» Amorim said.
READ ALSO: Chelsea boss Maresca ignores Manchester City links
«We just talked about his feelings, and he has to answer that, not me. He gives everything and puts everything on the line. We have to go a step further and have that feeling too.»
«He is a great example in the group. He expressed his feelings, and when I see him training and playing, he is a special character.»
SURPRISE TITLE PARTICIPANTS VILLA
United face a Villa side that has emerged as a surprise title contender, with Unai Emery’s side sitting third in the standings, three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point behind Manchester City.
Villa have won their last nine home games in the Premier League to turn Villa Park into a fortress, and Amorim suggested they could indeed challenge for the title.
«Anything can happen. They have a manager with a lot of experience. When you see Villa play you can feel that they are a very mature team,» Amorim said.
“Unai Emery doesn’t panic when he loses, he doesn’t feel overwhelmed when he wins. He keeps his emotions under control at all times.
«They are a very strong team. Can they fight to the end? I don’t know, but they are capable of that.»
Published on December 19, 2025
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(756x323:758x325)/Claudio-Manuel-Neves-Valente-121925-2802cd834bce42e699b81f74745f33e7.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Cómo una publicación de Reddit ayudó a identificar al sospechoso del tiroteo de Brown en el MIT")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(742x123:744x125)/Sydney-Marquez-121925-fc9d46aaeb5341f383ffa20b8395911f.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Mujer desaparece sin su teléfono después de visitar a sus amigos por última vez")
