'A big night for Mainoo'

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is promising changes for Wednesday's EFL Cup trip to Grimsby, which means it is likely to be a big night for Kobbie Mainoo in particular.

There has been a lot of chatter about Mainoo, who is yet to feature for a minute in the Premier League so far this season.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has not started a game since the home defeat by West Ham on 11 May.

Amorim said after Sunday's draw at Fulham Mainoo was competing with skipper Bruno Fernandes in his line-up, which evidently is an issue for the youngster, deemed good enough to start for England by Gareth Southgate in the Euro 2024 final less than 15 months ago.

There is no suggestion of Mainoo agitating to leave United just now. However, talks over a contract extension have stalled and it is hard to see them resuming unless Mainoo can persuade Amorim he is either better than Fernandes, or can be effective in a different role.

Chances could be limited this season with no European distractions, so Grimsby needs to be the start of the process.