Mainoo and Onana Remain on the Bench for Manchester United Against Burnley

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim left Kobbie Mainoo and André Onana on the bench again for the game against Burnley at Old Trafford. This choice raises more questions about their roles and futures as the new season begins. According to reports, we know that Manchester United has started the season slowly, not winning their first two league matches, and are currently sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table after one draw and one loss.

WHAT HAPPENED?

For the third game in a row, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and goalkeeper André Onana were substitutes, not starters. Altay Bayindir played in goal, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw in defense. Bruno Fernandes returned to midfield. Amorim has changed the lineup since the new season. Mainoo’s place is less certain, as he has not played a Premier League minute this season, and Onana lost his starting spot after not playing in United’s first two Premier League games. Both stayed on the bench as United tried to improve their poor early-season form.

SQUAD ROTATION AND SEASON OUTLOOK

Mainoo is benched after a strong 2023/24 season where he scored the FA Cup final winning goal. However, Amorim reportedly thinks Mainoo needs to fight for his spot, and Bruno Fernandes is a key starter, which makes it hard for Mainoo to get minutes. Meanwhile, Onana is also on the fringes after inconsistent performances last season. It is worth mentioning that manager Ruben Amorim stated that he wants Kobbie Mainoo to stay and fight for his place in the team. United have struggled early in the 2025/26 campaign, needing wins to climb the table and compete with rivals. Burnley, meanwhile, are battling to escape relegation, making this match important for both teams.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR UNITED, MAINO, AND ONANA?

Manchester United’s next game is against Manchester City, who are a clear title contender and the favourites for that match. United need a win to close the gap and boost confidence before a busy September. If Mainoo’s playing time remains limited, he is expected to rethink his situation in January, particularly as Manchester United has rejected his loan request and informed him they value him highly at the club. Onana’s future is also uncertain as Bayindir impresses in goal, with current reports indicating that Onana, although committed to Manchester United, has not played this season despite being the team’s main goalkeeper last season. Amorim’s decisions indicate strong competition for both key positions.