Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo’s chances of featuring for the club will not be affected by a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt worn by the midfielder’s brother.

Mainoo’s half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was seen wearing the eye-catching shirt during United’s dramatic 4-4 Premier League draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday. The England international came off the bench for the final half-hour of the match.

Despite Mainoo yet to start a league game this season and being limited to 11 substitute appearances, Amorim made it clear that the incident would have no bearing on his selection for Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.

“No, it wasn’t Kobbie wearing the T-shirt,” Amorim said on Friday. “He’s not going to start because of the T-shirt, and he’s not going to be on the bench because of the T-shirt. He will play if we feel he is the right guy to play.

“That is not an issue. I’ve been here for a year, it’s not new. We have to deal with these things, but I’m not going to do something to Kobbie because someone in his family did something.

“It will be the same. If he’s the right guy to play, he will play.”

Fernandes addresses exit talk

Amorim is also dealing with comments from club captain Bruno Fernandes, who admitted he was “hurt” by suggestions that United were open to selling him when Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal showed interest in the summer.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet Canal 11, Fernandes revealed he could have left during the close-season but chose to stay, citing both his family and his genuine affection for the club.

“He said what he is feeling,” Amorim said. “We already know the noise, but he spoke with the board and I think everything is clear.

“We spoke about his feelings and he needs to answer to that, not me. He gives everything and puts everything on the line. We need to step up and also have that feeling.

“He is a big example in the group. When I watch him train and play, he is a special character.”

Villa emerging as title contenders

United now face an in-form Aston Villa side who have emerged as surprise title challengers under Unai Emery. Villa sit third in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point adrift of Manchester City.

Emery’s team have won their last nine home league matches, turning Villa Park into a formidable venue, and Amorim believes they are capable of sustaining a title challenge.

“Everything can happen,” Amorim said. “They have a manager with a lot of experience. When you watch Villa play, you can sense it’s a very mature team.

“Unai Emery doesn’t panic when he’s losing, and he doesn’t feel overwhelmed when he’s winning. He controls his emotions all the time.

“They are a very strong team. Can they fight until the end? I don’t know, but they are capable of that.”