The simmering tension around Kobbie Mainoo's playing time at Manchester United has intensified after his brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, displayed a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" t-shirt at Old Trafford during the Red Devils' 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on Monday night. The message was a clear signal to head coach Ruben Amorim, who has faced increasing scrutiny for his perceived underutilization of the young midfielder.

Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who is also known for his appearance on the reality television show "Love Island," posted a picture of himself wearing the t-shirt on his Instagram account, further amplifying the message. The act has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some criticizing it as an unnecessary distraction and others viewing it as a legitimate expression of concern for Mainoo's career.

Kobbie Mainoo, 20, has struggled to secure a consistent starting role under Amorim, despite a promising breakthrough season in 2023/24. That season saw him score the winning goal in the FA Cup final and earn his first international cap for England. However, he has not started in any of United's 16 Premier League games this season, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby. Mainoo's lack of game time has led to speculation about a potential loan move in January, a request that was reportedly rejected in August.

The situation has drawn comparisons to the controversy surrounding Alejandro Garnacho's brother, Roberto, who previously criticized both Amorim and his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, on social media. Some fans have expressed concerns that Mainoo-Hames' actions could negatively impact Mainoo's relationship with Amorim and potentially hinder his progress at the club.

Amorim addressed the situation indirectly, stating that "frustration doesn't help anybody". When asked about a potential January loan move for Mainoo, he said, "If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him. I'm not going to say what I'm going to say to Kobbie, but I will be really pleased if Kobbie is coming to talk to me about that". He also stated, “First of all, I say the same thing: the team comes first".

Paul Scholes has been among the most vocal critics of Mainoo's limited opportunities, suggesting that the midfielder's career is "being ruined" and that he may need to leave Old Trafford to develop. With the January transfer window approaching, Mainoo's future at Manchester United remains uncertain. His playing time in the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether he seeks a loan move to gain more regular first-team experience.