Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes had previously foreseen that Kobbie Mainoo might find it challenging to sustain his impressive form at the club. Mainoo, aged 20, was once hailed as the future of the Red Devils due to his stellar performances over the past two seasons but is now struggling for minutes under Ruben Amorim.

Mainoo had an outstanding record of scoring spectacular goals and made his England debut just over a year ago. He also clinched the man of the match award in United's FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City in 2024 after netting the decisive goal. However, he has since experienced a dramatic fall from grace, with his future at United now shrouded in uncertainty. Under Amorim, Mainoo has only started 15 out of 44 matches, and he was benched for the second consecutive game this season as United drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday.

A video of Mainoo looking disheartened at the final whistle has gone viral on social media, fuelling rumours of his possible exit ahead of Monday's deadline.

Back in April 2024, United's skipper Fernandes had predicted that Mainoo would face challenges as opponents began to understand his game following his remarkable breakthrough season.

"It might not come this season, but it may come next season that it gets a little bit tougher for Kobbie because people know your game," Fernandes said. "They know how to stop you and they've got different plans for you and ultimately different ways to go about nullifying your effect on the game."

Discussing the influence Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho - who appears destined for an Old Trafford exit with a move to Chelsea still being considered - have wielded since breaking into the senior squad, Fernandes was glowing in his assessment.

"They've been playing most and they've been doing well," Fernandes said. "They've been doing great things. I think they've been really good; they've been improving themselves. It's just the first steps. They need to keep going." However, the midfielder's ominous warning appears to have become a harsh reality for Mainoo.

Amorim selected a central partnership of Casemiro and Fernandes from the outset against Fulham, with Mason Mount retreating deeper when the Brazilian was substituted for striker Benjamin Sesko. Manuel Ugarte was subsequently introduced in place of Mount.

Post-match scenes captured Mainoo wandering about listlessly and crouching down, before offering a brief acknowledgement to United's away supporters.

He presented the image of a player whose destiny appears to lie away from Manchester. Reports suggest that Mainoo would contemplate departing United during the final week of the summer transfer window should a suitable bid be submitted. Chelsea were also said to be keen on the young talent back in January.

Contract negotiations have reached a standstill as well, with Amorim stating there had been "no news" concerning a fresh agreement for Mainoo prior to the Fulham clash.

In an ironic turn of events, Amorim disclosed after the match that the 20 year old is currently battling the very player who had issued the caution to Mainoo for a spot in the starting eleven.

"Mainoo is fighting for his position with Bruno," Amorim said. "I changed two midfielders. I left Mason Mount there because we wanted to score a goal and when I changed, I felt the team needed one holding midfielder.

"So he needs to fight for his position with Bruno. At the moment, he is fighting in training with Bruno for the position."