Kobbie Mainoo ruled out vs Aston Villa — not even on the bench due to injury

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was a notable absentee from the club’s matchday squad for the Premier League fixture at Aston Villa on Sunday, 21 December 2025 — and it wasn’t down to tactical choice alone. The 20‑year‑old was left out of the squad after picking up a small injury in training on Saturday, meaning he was unavailable to even sit on the bench for the trip to Villa Park. 

The decision to leave Mainoo out was confirmed by United head coach Ruben Amorim in the run‑up to the game. Speaking to Sky Sports, Amorim explained that Mainoo went to see a club doctor after feeling discomfort during the session and was found to have a calf problem, which ruled him out of the Villa clash. “He got something in his calf,” the manager said, adding that the club would continue to assess the injury. “He is out of this game,” Amorim confirmed, before noting the unfortunate timing for both player and team. 

Mainoo’s absence came as a blow to United’s midfield options. With Casemiro suspended due to yellow card accumulation and other senior players already unavailable, many had expected Mainoo to finally get a chance — possibly even a start — in the centre of the park. But the unexpected knock instead opened the door for Manuel Ugarte to step in alongside Bruno Fernandes. 

It’s the latest twist in what has been a frustrating campaign for Mainoo. The England international, who burst onto the scene as one of United’s brightest academy prospects — scoring in the 2024 FA Cup final and starting for England in the Euro 2024 final — has struggled for consistent game time this season. So far in the 2025‑26 Premier League campaign, he has not started a single league match and has largely been limited to substitute appearances. 

Beyond the injury, Mainoo’s situation has attracted significant speculation off the pitch. His half‑brother’s high‑profile “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t‑shirt worn during United’s 4‑4 draw with Bournemouth earlier in the week had fuelled rumours of unrest, even though Amorim publicly stated that it had no bearing on team selection. 

The injury comes at a sensitive time, with the January transfer window approaching and continued talk over Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford. Recent reports have linked him with potential loan — or even permanent — moves as both player and club consider his path forward, amid concern that limited minutes under Amorim could hinder his development. 

Despite the setback at Villa Park, the general assessment from United’s medical staff and coaching team is that Mainoo’s injury is not long‑term, though exact timelines for his return aren’t fully clear yet. Amorim suggested he expects the midfielder to recover in the coming weeks, leaving open the possibility that he could be available again as the busy winter schedule unfolds.