Manchester United star’s brother wears ‘Free Kobbie’ shirt at Old Trafford

Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wore a ‘T’ shirt displaying the message ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth last night, per BBC Sport.  

Manager Ruben Amorim was not asked about the shirt after the game, but the incident is likely to annoy him.

Mainoo has been struggling for opportunities under Amorim, who hasn’t started him once in the Premier League this season.

He has been limited to just 212 league minutes, spread across 11 appearances. 

Amorim views him as a number eight, a position currently monopolised by Bruno Fernandes. 

The Portuguese boss has suggested the United academy graduate lacks the positional discipline to excel as a holding midfielder. 

Mainoo wants to leave on loan in the winter transfer window in search of more game time. 

Several clubs are interested in Mainoo, including Napoli and Chelsea. However, the midfielder is highly rated by the club’s hierarchy, and they are not open to offers for him. 

With the 2026 World Cup scheduled to start in June, Mainoo will be desperate for more first-team action to secure a place in the England squad. 

However, he is unlikely to displace Fernandes at United, and the club are unlikely to sanction an exit during the winter transfer window.

Stats from Transfermarkt.