​Mainoo's Brother Jordan Wears "Free Kobbie Mainoo" T-Shirt at Old Trafford

 
December 15 – According to a report by *The Daily Telegraph*, during Manchester United's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night, Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was spotted in the stands wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Free Kobbie Mainoo," sparking widespread discussion.

Jordan Mainoo-Hames, known for appearing on the British reality TV show *Love Island*, wore a black top with prominent white lettering during the match, and the moment was captured by broadcast cameras. After the game, he also posted a photo of himself wearing the T-shirt on Instagram, sharing it with his 681,000 followers.

During the match, Mainoo once again did not start but came off the bench with 29 minutes remaining, receiving warm applause from the Old Trafford crowd upon his introduction. So far this season, the 20-year-old English midfielder has yet to start a Premier League match.

The report indicates that Mainoo has been linked with a loan move in the January transfer window, with over ten clubs, including Napoli, expressing interest in him. The player had hoped to leave United on loan this past summer, but the request was denied by manager Rúben Amorim. Since then, his frustration with the situation has continued to grow.

*The Telegraph* notes that the brother's stand-side gesture further amplifies Mainoo's predicament and is unlikely to be well-received by Manchester United. The report recalls that earlier this month, during United's match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Mainoo was brought on late in the game. Although Amorim briefly instructed him tactically, there was minimal interaction between the two, and the tension was palpable even from the stands. This stands in stark contrast to 22 months ago when Mainoo scored a stoppage-time winner at Molineux to secure a 4-3 victory for United.

In terms of playing time, Mainoo has featured for just 183 minutes in the Premier League this season. His only start came in the August EFL Cup loss to fourth-tier side Grimsby Town. In several crucial league matches where United struggled offensively or conceded late equalizers, he remained unused.

Amorim previously stated in a press conference that Mainoo had never approached him about his lack of minutes: "If he comes to talk to me, of course I will speak with him, but the team always comes first." Tactically, Amorim prefers a 3-4-2-1 system. He believes Mainoo is better suited to a three-man midfield, whereas in the current double-pivot setup, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are favored. Additionally, the presence of Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, and summer signings Matheus Cunha and Jean-Philippe Mateta has further limited Mainoo's opportunities.

Although Amorim has repeatedly emphasized that "the door is always open," citing Casemiro's improved form as an example, *The Telegraph* suggests he has never fully trusted Mainoo, preferring midfielders with greater mobility, physicality, and transitional speed.

Former United legend Paul Scholes has publicly criticized Amorim's handling of Mainoo on multiple occasions, stating that it is "destroying" the young player and questioning why a technically gifted midfielder cannot find a place in a team that "struggles to control matches."

Currently, Antonio Conte remains keen to bring Mainoo to Napoli, where he would join former United players Rasmus Højlund, Scott McTominay, and Romelu Lukaku. As the January window approaches, Mainoo's future remains uncertain.

Source: The Daily Telegraph