Ruben Amorim's explanation over Kobbie Mainoo sitting on the bench for Manchester United's opening two games of the season did nothing to quash the doubtful discussions over the English midfielder's absence.
The 20-year-old was visible each time the Sky Sports cameras cut to Amorim on the touchline. It was like watching a spotlight pick out an actor on stage although this individual is waiting in the wings.
How long Mainoo will be waiting for an opportunity is unclear although he's expected to face Grimsby in the League Cup this week (August 27). Regardless of that game, Amorim now has to decide who he visualises as his long-term playmaking central midfielder.
Mark a new era and opt for Kobbie Mainoo over Bruno Fernandes
Amorim told reporters after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham that Mainoo hasn't appeared this season because of only one person. He said (via Beanymansports):
"He's fighting for the position with Bruno. When I changed, I changed it with Mason Mount there and when I changed it, I felt the team needed to return to one holder midfielder near Bruno."
This makes clear he feels Bruno Fernandes isn't droppable while also highlighting that Mainoo has little to no chance of being a regular starter this season. But times have changed at Old Trafford, and Amorim has shown he has the courage to make risky decisions for the good of the club in the long term.
The Portuguese coach may now slyly be regretting Fernandes turning down an £100m Saudi move. That would have given the Reds a massive transfer budget to spend, perhaps on a new six with Brighton's Carlos Baleba at the top of our radar.
Mainoo would come in for Fernandes as the eight, sitting alongside Baleba in a midfield that has youthful energy and can cement their partnership for years to come. It's astounding to watch one of the club's most exciting academy graduates have his game time reduced rather than increased.
The Stockport-born midfielder loves United and an exit doesn't feel plausible and it would certainly receieve massive backlash. The fanbase are coming round to the idea of Fernandes departing off the back of two somewhat worrying displays against Arsenal and Fulham.
It's time to sell Bruno Fernandes
There is no doubt that Fernandes is the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson signing and the player of whom fans stick by even when rival supporters question his place in the team. But is the Portuguese playmaker preventing Mainoo from taking up a lead role?
Fernandes has two years left on his contract so time is of the essence if you want to sell him at his best value. The acquistions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo prove INEOS can get their recruitment right.
Baleba is a dream signing and it feels as though the only way to fund that deal this summer would be to sell our skipper. It's a decision that could shape the future of Amorim's Red Devils.
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