Man United face embarrassment by breaking 'transfer rule' with Kobbie Mainoo after announcement

Kobbie Mainoo's strange circumstance at Manchester United is one of the club's most infuriating current problems.

Once described as the "perfect midfielder" by Erik ten Hag, Mainoo's rise has stagnated at United, and the argument of who is to blame for that is still up for debate. But Ruben Amorim's consistent snub of the England midfielder isn't helping.

The Reds have won one of their first four games in the Premier League this season, and Sunday's Manchester derby loss to City has put Amorim under intense spotlight.

His system, demeanour on the touchline, passionate rants with the media, and specific player selection have all come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the defeat to Pep Guardiola's side. It's his treatment of Mainoo that has left many confused.

Forcing him to watch most games from the bench is Bruno Fernandes and Amorim's persistence in starting his captain in a deeper role than where he's best. For many, the easy solution to turn to in the future is pushing Fernandes further forward and letting Mainoo free in the pivot.

Mainoo requested to leave United on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window, but the club denied a move. Amorim has since challenged the 20-year-old to fight for his place despite him competing with the player who hasn't been substituted off once so far this season.

Should Mainoo continue to be left in the dark, United faces a similar situation to that they found themselves in with Alejandro Garnacho. Despite coming out of the club's academy with excitement over his head, the forward was allowed to leave in the summer after not fitting into Amorim's system.

The same could well happen with Mainoo and there are clubs creeping. Tottenham and Newcastle are two teams that have