Kobbie Mainoo’s half-brother has caused a stir after sending Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim a three-word message during their draw with Bournemouth.
The midfielder started on the bench once again but was introduced on the hour mark during the enthralling 4-4 encounter with the Cherries.
Mainoo, 20, has yet to start a league contest this season, with his only full 90 minutes coming in the EFL Cup defeat with Grimsby.
He has been urged to leave Manchester United by club legends to help get his career back on track.
‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’
During the contest, Mainoo’s half-brother was spotted in the stand at Old Trafford wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ emblazoned on the front.
Known as Jordan Mainoo-Hames, he certainly didn’t want his efforts to go unnoticed as he stood at the lower tier and faced away from the pitch for the crowd to see.
The move will undoubtedly cause a debate behind the scenes as the future of Mainoo remains in doubt heading into the January window.
Manchester United supporters sent Amorim their own message when he received a rapturous reception and cheers after being substituted onto the field.
Mainoo was eager to make a switch to reunite with Scott McTominay in Napoli during the summer, but the club didn’t sanction the switch.
Will Manchester United sell Kobbie Mainoo?
Manchester United are set to reject any transfer bids for Mainoo in the winter window because they believe his long-term future remains at the club.
However, Amorim did suggest the possibility of a loan move by saying his door is always open for a conversation on his future.
He said: “I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players, but about that subject, no, I didn’t speak with him.
“I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that. I just want my players happy.
“I understand every individual has their goals, and the frustration doesn’t help anybody.
“I’m not going to say what I would say but I would talk to him.
“I am completely open, that is clear. I have my ideas, and that is also clear. I will not change if I don’t believe it, but I’m open to speaking with any player. I love that.”
Amorim has previously said that Mainoo could be used as a holding player “in the future” and pointed to Casemiro as a player who changed his trajectory at the club.
“Of course, like everyone else,” Amorim said. “Casemiro is the biggest example [of him changing his mind]. He was behind Toby [Collyer, on loan at West Brom] and now he’s a star.”
