Ruben Amorim speaks on Kobbie Mainoo's potential exit from Manchester United

Manchester United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, has revealed his preference on the potential exit of Kobbie Mainoo.

The 20-year-old started the UEFA Euro 2024 final against Spain, but a year on, he's a shadow of himself at Old Trafford, like several other attackers.

Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alejandro Garnacho have already moved on from the club, and Mainoo wants to follow the same path, following United's shambolic outing against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.

Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr already enquired about the Carrington graduate, but United insisted the youngster isn't for sale.

Ruben Amorim mentioned that Mainoo would have to compete with Bruno Fernandes for playing time, but the youngster is still keen on leaving the club.

Responding to the speculation over Mainoo’s future, Amorim said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United's clash against Burnley: 

“Until it is official, I cannot say much. I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place," the Portuguese gaffer said in quotes revealed by the club's official website.

“I understand players who don’t play are disappointed, but everyone will have the same opportunities to play. You have to fight during the week.”

When asked about his negative comments about his players after Man Utd lost Grimsby on Wednesday, the 40-year-old said; 

“I know that when I speak these things. Guys, to be really honest with you, every time that we have or have in the future one defeat like that, I’m going to be like that.

"I’m going to say that sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I want to defend my players.

“This is my way of doing things, and I’m going to be like that. I felt that in that moment, I was so frustrated and annoyed. And I know, again, that you have a lot of experienced people talking about the way I should perform with the media, to be more constant, to be calmer. I’m not going to be like that.”

The former Sporting CP manager also revealed his frustration with the situation of the club has seen him experience a plethora of emotions.

“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years. Sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don’t want to be with them.

"So, again, I need to improve on that. It’s going to be hard, but now it’s a new game and I’m focused on the next one.

“We played badly for 30 minutes against Fulham, and then that kind of performance [v Grimsby], I was really disappointed with everything," the Portuguese coach concluded.

United face a daunting task ahead of the Burnley clash at Old Trafford. While a win would boost their confidence some good, another negative result would raise further doubts about Amorim's ability to lead the Red Devils to the promised land.