Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has said that England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo must displace club captain Bruno Fernandes if he hopes to earn minutes this season. Mainoo, 20, has been an unused substitute in United’s opening two Premier League matches and was again overlooked during Sunday’s 1–1 draw at Fulham. Amorim told reporters that Mainoo is now "fighting for the position with Bruno" in training, adding that competition for places "is how it should be at Manchester United." Fernandes, who missed a first-half penalty at Craven Cottage, remains the preferred option in attacking midfield despite ongoing tactical debates about his best role. With the summer transfer window closing on 1 September, people close to Mainoo say the player would consider leaving Old Trafford if United receive a suitable offer in the final week of trading. Mainoo has yet to agree to a contract extension, raising the prospect of a late move should his first-team prospects remain limited.