United View: A night of drama at Old Trafford

Somehow in a week where Manchester United were involved in a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, the result wasn’t the biggest stir to emerge from Old Trafford, but instead about two incidents involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. 

So, what have they said or done?

Speaking with Portuguese TV Station Canal 11, on International Duty back in November, Fernandes claimed United wanted him to leave in the last transfer window, when approached by Saudi club, Al Hilal.

“The club wanted me to go, I have that in my head. I told the directors this, but I think they didn’t have the courage to make the decision.”

“I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like this club. The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘if you leave it’s not bad for us.”

The comments are only just being released now, and it’s a shocking revelation. 

Fernandes has been the club’s best player since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, and a superb captain – often receiving harsh criticism from pundits and fans alike.

To suggest the club didn’t have the courage to decide on his future is a considerably large accusation, but perhaps United’s hierarchy wanted to let the 31-year-old decide on his own future. 

Nevertheless, it appears there’s been miscommunication between both board and player.

Fernandes has said in the past he is open to playing in Saudi Arabia, and he reportedly has a release clause in his contract. 

So another approach come emerge next summer, and if United’s board wants to keep him, they’ll need to outright tell him that to appease his mind.

Meanwhile, a photo has popped up online of Kobbie Mainoo’s half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames wearing a shirt saying “Free Kobbie Mainoo” on Monday’s fixture against Bournemouth.

Mainoo has yet to start in the Premier League this season, with his contract renewal still up in the air and his future at the club under intense speculation. 

And this post has only added fuel to the fire surrounding his tumultuous time at Old Trafford this season.

Whether Kobbie had any knowledge of this incident is unknown, but now he is involved in this situation with the consequences unbeknownst to us all.

Ideally, Kobbie Mainoo gets his start against Aston Villa with Casemiro suspended and nails down a spot in Ruben Amorim’s midfield and goes on to spend the next 10 years at Manchester United. 

However, he may need to distance himself from this first, and show his commitment to the club.

The club would need to choose between player and manager if this is not resolved, and with INEOS wanting to change the culture and reduce player power, it may see them back Ruben Amorim should it come to that.

It’s fitting that this should all transpire on the same week the Reds are involved in a 4-4 draw – say what you like about United, but one thing they are not is boring.

The Reds next travel to Villa Park, facing Unai Emery’s potential title contenders. 

It will now be extremely interesting to see how Amorim responds regarding team selection. 

This could be where Mainoo gets his first start in the Premier League and could potentially see Amorim utilise a 433 with three key players heading to AFCON.