Former Manchester United star Phil Jones believes Kobbie Mainoo’s fitness levels are the main reason Ruben Amorim is so reluctant to hand him a starting role.

Mainoo was an unused substitute in United’s opening two games of the Premier League season against Arsenal and Fulham, prompting the 20-year-old to request a loan move away from Old Trafford.

Amorim recently revealed the academy graduate is now in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for one of his two midfield roles with Mainoo concerned over his first-team chances ahead of England’s World Cup campaign next summer.

United blocked those efforts to leave on loan with Mainoo coming off the bench on Saturday in the win over Burnley having started against Grimsby midweek.

Mainoo made a seamless transition to senior fo

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