Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker is adamant that Ruben Amorim harbours a “personal” grudge against Kobbie Mainoo in private as the youngster remains relegated to the substitutes’ bench despite his previous brilliance. Mainoo emerged through United’s academy system and was given his breakthrough by Erik ten Hag.

The midfielder instantly impressed and capped off his maiden campaign by netting in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City at Wembley. His performances earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad as the Three Lions reached the final, yet since Amorim’s arrival his opportunities have drastically diminished. The 19-year-old was completely overlooked for the opening two fixtures under the Portuguese boss and has since been restricted to brief appearances from the bench. Amorim has instead opted to field Casemiro ahead of him.

Parker believes there must be underlying tensions as he revealed to MyBettingSites: “We also have to ask why Mainoo hasn’t been used in that midfield. Somewhere along the line because I’ve been looking at it, it has to be personal. It has to be personal and the truth has to be told somewhere. He doesn’t like him or he doesn’t like him as a player. It doesn’t make any sense at all.”

Despite Mainoo’s remarkable ascent at United, speculation has emerged regarding a potential departure, partly driven by the PSR advantages of offloading an academy graduate. The youngster would still fetch a substantial transfer fee, but United boast a renowned tradition of supporting their emerging stars, with Parker cautioning against his sale given his early contributions.

He remarked: “It would cause big problems if they allow Mainoo to go because he’s a local boy. But it’s not just about that, it’s about what he’s achieved in a short space of time and he hasn’t been given the time and the respect.”

Amorim has faced scrutiny over his deployment of Mainoo but has been candid about the development he expects from the midfielder’s performances. “I believe a lot in Kobbie but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done. I think he can do so much better. He can improve in a lot,” he stated.

Mainoo finds himself battling for opportunities alongside players such as Manuel Ugarte, another individual finding game time limited under Amorim’s regime. It was widely reported that those at Old Trafford sought to recruit a defensive midfielder for the centre of the pitch, sparking their pursuit of Carlos Baleba.

United’s tactical approach under Amorim, which he’s declined to abandon, demands energy in the middle of the park, and this has been highlighted as a concern with the current first-team selection during the campaign’s opening stages.