Manchester United remain winless after their opening two matches of 2025/2026 in the Premier League.
The Red Devils began their season with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford before their first away day, a trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage, which culminated in the spoils being shared.
It’s safe to say there were opportunities there for United to clinch all three points on the road, not least because Bruno Fernandes had the chance to break the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 38th minute but skied his effort well over the crossbar and into the onlooking supporters.
Ruben Amorim’s men would eventually take the lead via an own-goal from Rodrigo Muniz in the 58th minute. 15 minutes later, substitute Emile Smith Rowe scored with his first touch past a sleeping Matthijs de Ligt and Altay Bayindir, after which United were unable to register a response.
The result ensured that the Reds recorded their first points on the board. Yet, it’s a showing that has just hammered home how far away this team is from competing amongst those at the top end of the table.
Next up for Amorim and his men is another away encounter to kick off their Carabao Cup campaign at Blundell Park, home of League Two outfit Grimsby Town. The odds heavily stacked against the hosts to see out a result against the 20-time champions of England. Still, it’s worth taking a look at how that could change before Wednesday evening; betting.bet’s sports betting tips are updated everyday, giving you enough time to analyse the market changes.
Kobbie Mainoo opens door to United exit
In the aftermath of Sunday’s result, one Red is now said to be considering a late move away from the Theatre of Dreams: Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old midfield starlet could only watch on from the bench in west London as he was an unused substitute for the second successive game. Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were all utilised ahead of Mainoo, prompting him to question whether his boyhood club is indeed the best place to continue his development.
Mainoo has made 28 appearances in total under Amorim, with only 15 of those coming from the off. In comparison, he made 29 starts in the 32 games he played during Erik ten Hag’s reign in 2023/2024.
Amorim was pressed on the youngster’s absence post-match and told reporters: “He’s fighting for the position now with Bruno. I let Mason Mount stay there because we want to score a goal. When I changed, I felt the team needed to return to one holding midfielder near Bruno. He just needs to fight for the position with Bruno.”
Earlier in the summer, Tottenham Hotspur reportedly made an enquiry to gauge the feasibility of signing Mainoo before deadline day. They certainly have the funds to spend, too, having made sizeable offers for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze before the deals collapsed.
Mainoo is contracted to United until June 2027, after which the club will have the option of extending it for an additional year. All parties have been in talks over an extension since last year, with discussions now thought to be at a standstill.
