Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was not in the matchday squad for the game against Aston Villa yesterday.

Some were speculating that the 20-year-old’s absence was due to being unhappy with his role under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The manager spoke out again about Mainoo’s future in the build-up to the Villa fixture, saying that the player “needs to fight for his job”.

The England international has not started a Premier League match this season and wasn’t even on the bench at the weekend.

Why did Mainoo not play against Aston Villa?

It is believed that the midfielder sustained a minor injury in training the day before the game.

With Casemiro suspended after picking up five bookings, and with several players away at the African Cup of Nations, many thought that Mainoo could have a chance of starting.

However, this setback will frustrate the player. It remains to be seen whether Mainoo will be back in the fold when the Red Devils take on Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Will Mainoo leave Man Utd during the January transfer window?

The midfielder is highly rated by fans and former players. Club legend Paul Scholes described him as a “special” talent just last year, but he has struggled to win over Amorim.

There is a feeling that Mainoo’s lack of mobility has given the head coach some cause for concern, but that suggestion seems rather odd when you consider that Casemiro is picked to play every week.

At the moment, United are not looking to let him leave as Amorim still sees him as an important squad player, despite his lack of starts.

Mainoo himself, though, is said to be pushing for a departure. Reports suggest that Serie A champions Napoli are the favourites to snap him up if his exit is sanctioned.

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