Kobbie Mainoo has endured a steep decline at Manchester United since Ruben Amorim became the head coach – leading to regular talk of his long-term future at Old Trafford
Kobbie Mainoo remains determined to make a success of his career at Manchester United despite a hugely challenging 13 months under Ruben Amorim which has seen him slip down the Old Trafford pecking order.
The academy star burst onto the scene under Erik ten Hag and within a year of making his debut was playing for England in the final of the Euros. But since the Dutchman’s axing his stock has fallen significantly with Amorim preferring other options. Mainoo has started in only 16 of Amorim’s 61 matches in charge of United and last made the starting XI when he played during the humiliating Carabao Cup Cup exit to League Two Grimsby in August – which will have done little to aid his cause for more involvement.
The Sun reports that the working relationship between Mainoo’s camp and Amorim was strained even before the midfielder’s half-brother wore a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt at Old Trafford during the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth last month – which again won’t have gone down well with the manager.
Despite all that – and links to other clubs – those close to the 20-year-old United star insist he is determined to revive his Old Trafford career and fulfil his potential at the club where he’s been since a child.
READ MORE: Man Utd make surprise transfer decision as Ruben Amorim U-turns on youngsterREAD MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson’s January transfer warning as Man Utd eye up eight-man shortlist
United blocked Mainoo’s request to leave on loan in the summer and, despite talk resurfacing ahead of January, Amorim again made it clear that the midfielder would not be departing Old Trafford, even temporarily. Despite his lack of minutes the Portuguese head coach has maintained that he is the future of the club.
Mainoo’s contract expires in 2027 but United have the option of an additional year – meaning there is no hope of the player’s camp attempting to force a move away but using that to their advantage. That said, Mainoo declined United’s opening offer of a new contract at the start of 2025.
The England international was only 17 when he signed his last deal in February 2023. Since then Mainoo has enjoyed huge highs – he played and scored in an FA Cup final and was crucial for England at the Euros.
His lack of minutes is now counting against him. His hopes of going to a second major tournament with the Three Lions is in jeopardy with Thomas Tuchel currently unlikely to pick him for the World Cup in the summer.
Mainoo was one of eight players absent for United’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with Wolves, who claimed their third point of the season at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
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