Roy Keane Tells Kobbie Mainoo to ‘Prove the Manager Wrong’ and Slams Brother’s Protest

Roy Keane has urged Kobbie Mainoo to show resilience and fight for his place at Manchester United, while sharply criticising the midfielder’s half-brother for drawing attention away from the player’s development.

Mainoo, 20, is yet to make a Premier League start this season under head coach Ruben Amorim, with his limited minutes continuing to attract scrutiny. The situation intensified on Monday night when his half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was spotted wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt during United’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

The England international was warmly received by supporters when he came on as a substitute against the Cherries, but his future has remained a subject of debate. A request for a loan move away from United was rejected in August, and speculation has persisted over whether a temporary switch could be revisited during the January transfer window.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, former United captain Keane was unequivocal in his assessment, insisting that Mainoo should embrace the challenge rather than look for an exit.

“He’s 20 years of age — what’s wrong with sitting there and learning your trade for another six months?” Keane said. “He might think the manager could be gone in the summer, or that senior players might move on. We’ve all had spells where we had to wait.”

Keane emphasised that adversity is part of a footballer’s journey, particularly at elite clubs.

“Sometimes a manager is on your case and your response has to be, ‘I’ll prove you wrong’. Every day should be about proving yourself in training — training like a beast — so when the manager is picking the team, he feels he has no choice but to play you.”

However, Keane reserved his strongest criticism for Mainoo’s family involvement, describing the public protest as unhelpful.

“When you’ve got his brother doing all that, we shouldn’t even be giving it the time of day,” he said. “Sometimes players are surrounded by idiots, especially family members, and it doesn’t help the situation.”

Amorim has previously indicated that Mainoo is competing directly with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting role. Fernandes has started all 16 of United’s Premier League matches this season and remains one of the side’s most influential figures.

Keane acknowledged the difficulty of breaking into the team but stressed that circumstances can change quickly.

“Bruno could get injured, or he might leave next summer — there was talk about that,” Keane added. “That’s when young players have to bide their time and be ready.”

While Keane accepts that loan moves can benefit some players, he argued that Mainoo’s biggest test lies at Old Trafford.

“I’ve no problem with loans when they’re right, but sometimes your greatest challenge is right here — getting into the Manchester United first team,” he said. “Even if the manager says you’re not getting in ahead of Bruno, your mindset has to be: ‘I’m going to prove you wrong’.”

Mainoo last featured for England in September 2024 and has yet to play under new national team head coach Thomas Tuchel. With a World Cup approaching next summer, his club situation remains a key factor in his international ambitions.