'Kobbie is going to get more of the backlash'

Former Manchester United defender Reece Brown believes Kobbie Mainoo's half-brother being pictured wearing a "free Kobbie Mainoo" T-shirt at Old Trafford during the game against Bournemouth may lead to the midfielder getting "more of the backlash".

"I don't agree with it," Brown this week's edition of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast. "That applies so much pressure back to Kobbie as well."

"It's a shame [Mainoo's situation at the club] because he's such a talent. He has got the world at this feet.

"The manager has made a decision, Kobbie has tried to leave, the club hasn't allowed that to happen.

"I've not heard any moans or complaints [from Mainoo] throughout this whole process."

The midfielder, who is yet to start in the Premier League this season, came on in the 61st minute against Bournemouth and Brown says he can sympathise with Mainoo's situation.

"I know it's a very difficult time for him because I can relate to myself when I was at United and went out on loan - I went to Coventry.

"I played the first 15 games, then a new manager came in and I didn't play for six or seven months. It's horrible.

"He has remained humble and professional. To have your brother come out and do that I think [will mean] Kobbie is going to get more of the backlash, which I don't think he needs right now."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds