Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has affirmed that Kobbie Mainoo embodies the club's future, despite the player's current struggle for consistent playing time. The 20-year-old midfielder has found himself on the fringes at Old Trafford, with only one Carabao Cup start among his 12 appearances this season.

Amorim previously challenged Mainoo to "fight for his job," but a calf injury sustained in training before the recent defeat to Aston Villa has temporarily sidelined him. This setback occurred when the squad was already missing seven other players.

Despite Mainoo's limited opportunities this season, the United boss emphasized his long-term perspective. "Kobbie Mainoo will have the opportunity he has all the time," Amorim stated. "He played in different positions: he can do that (defensive midfield) position, he can play if we play with three, he can play like we play in the last game – the position of Mason Mount in this game (a number 10 who drops into midfield)".

Amorim's confidence in Mainoo's potential is unwavering. "So, he's going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling," he asserted. "He just needs to wait for his chance, and everything can change in football in two days".

While Amorim downplayed the likelihood of Mainoo being loaned out in January, particularly given his injury, he acknowledged that an adequate replacement would be necessary. "If we are not getting someone, it is hard to leave," he added. "Even with a full squad, we are shorter (in terms of players) for something that can happen here, so it's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution". Midfield is an area that requires strengthening, especially with the transfer window approaching.

Amorim has pleaded for patience from Mainoo, reminding him that even legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney had periods on the bench during their careers at Old Trafford. Mainoo has not started in the Premier League this season and his request for a loan was turned down during the summer. It is expected that he will push for an exit again in January, with another loan being the most likely option, although reports suggest he may seek a permanent move.

Tensions arose after Mainoo's half-brother wore a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" t-shirt during a game against Bournemouth. Amorim stated that the incident would not affect his team selection and praised Mainoo's performance after he replaced Casemiro during the 4-4 draw.

Amorim has also addressed comments he made about academy players, including Harry Amass and Chido Obi, who responded with social media posts. Amorim defended his comments, stating that young players need a thick skin and that "sometimes strong words are not bad words". He also claimed that young players feel "entitlement".

Mainoo's potential departure would be a blow to United's tradition of including a homegrown player in every matchday squad, a streak that has lasted 88 years. Amorim has stressed that Mainoo's status as an English academy graduate has created an unreasonable level of media attention. He insists he is not deliberately limiting Mainoo's playing time to make a point.

Unfortunately, Mainoo is currently sidelined with a calf injury and will miss the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United. Amorim indicated that Mainoo's recovery may be quicker than that of Bruno Fernandes, who is also injured.