Sports
Man Utd have a teen Mainoo replacement who can be a “beast” under Amorim
In a dour few seasons for Manchester United, the key moments have often centred around Kobbie Mainoo, from his last-gasp winner at Molineux, that FA Cup final clincher, or last season’s remarkable equaliser at Lyon.
While Harry Maguire may have secured the winner on that bonkers April night, the relief and frenzy were perhaps even more palpable when Mainoo converted in the last knockings of extra-time, sparking scenes at Old Trafford that arguably haven’t been seen in a generation.
A cynic would say that such a game, such a moment, mattered little as United went on to lose in the Europa League showpiece, but it was hard not to be swept up in the chaos and the joy.
From Ruben Amorim‘s smile, to the 20-year-old’s own Joshua Zirkzee-inspired celebration, the Theatre of Dreams has had few more memorable evenings.
The hope was that such a vital goal could help to kickstart Mainoo’s journey under the new regime, yet over six months later, a 2026 exit now appears the most likely outcome.
The latest on Kobbie Mainoo’s Man Utd future
Amorim, speaking after the recent draw with West Ham United, appeared somewhat irked at the repeated questions regarding his treatment of the Stockport-born star, having almost scoffed at suggestions that Mainoo could have been a more attack-minded change.
The 40-year-old went on the defensive again in the pre-match press conference ahead of Bournemouth, also pointing to the ‘struggles’ of the likes of Toby Collyer, Chido Obi and Harry Amass this season as a possible justification for his use of the academy ranks.
That young trio, with a combined 28 United appearances between them, are indeed relatively unproven, but in the case of Mainoo, supporters have seen the brilliance that he can bring to the table.
A “generational talent“, in the view of ex-teammate Rasmus Hojlund, the £25k-per-week midfielder has failed to start a single Premier League game in 2025/26, with Amorim instead leaning on the experienced pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
With the Brazilian suspended for the upcoming trip to Villa Park, Mainoo might have a route to increased game time, although it will take a lot to quieten the speculation over his future, amid reports that he is keen on joining Hojlund and co at Napoli.
A loan move to the Serie A side has been touted, while a string of Premier League clubs are also in the mix for his signature, with the Euro 2024 star seeking a more prominent role in this vital World Cup year.
As much as it would be depressing to see Mainoo depart, his relationship with Amorim appears to be heading in only one direction.
At least, however, there are those at Carrington for the United boss to call upon as potential replacements.
Man Utd already have Mainoo’s replacement brewing at Carrington
Unlike last term, which saw Obi, Amass and Tyler Fredricson all promoted into the first-team set-up, no academy player has debuted under Amorim in 2025/26, even with 18-year-old Shea Lacey a regular fixture on the bench in recent weeks.
Perhaps, with Casemiro sidelined and Manuel Ugarte also looking destined for his own exit, that situation might change before too long, with Carrington boasting a handful of exciting midfield talents worthy of closer inspection.
Homegrown stars like Jim Thwaites and Jack Fletcher have regularly been seen in first-team training, although it is 2024 arrival, Sekou Kone, who might be closest to a senior appearance, even while still stepping up his recovery from injury.
It was suggested over the summer that United weren’t looking to loan out the 19-year-old, as he was viewed as the fifth-choice option in central midfield, behind Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo and Ugarte.
Signed from Malian side FC Guidars on a £1m deal 18 months ago, the teenager was notably included in the matchday squad on three occasions in the Premier League last season, memorably forming part of a youthful bench in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in February.
|
Mainoo vs Bournemouth |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Record |
|
Minutes |
29 |
|
Touches |
29 |
|
Pass accuracy |
88% |
|
Key passes |
1 |
|
Dribbles |
1/1 |
|
Tackles |
0 |
|
Total duels won |
1/1 |
|
Possession lost |
3 |
As a true defensive-minded midfielder, the towering gem appears to have the attributes to slot in nicely into Amorim’s midfield unit, with scout Antonio Mango among those suggesting that he can be a “beast” in the first-team ranks.
The Mali youth international has actually only made two appearances at youth level this season, after fracturing his eye socket, yet with the first-team facing a hectic festive schedule, it would be no surprise to see him parachuted in over the coming weeks.
Lauded as a “box-to-box midfielder who’s extremely efficient at both ends of the pitch”, in the view of Mango, the “hidden gem” talent could well save INEOS from having to dip into the market for a replacement, should Mainoo be allowed to head off to pastures new.
Not just Obi & Amass: Man Utd starlet will never play again under Amorim
Manchester United have a star who appears to have fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford in recent times.
