Kobbie Mainoo seems to be on the exit block, as per recent reports. The 20-year-old was once Man United’s most celebrated, yet now, he wishes to leave on loan. What happened with him at United?
Kobbie Mainoo, the Starboy
The quick rise of Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo had been at Carrington since he was 6 years old. In May 2022, the then 16-year-old signed his first professional contract for Man United. His official first-team debut came in 22/23, although he had just 3 appearances for them that season. Kobbie was called up for the 2023 pre-season tour with the 1st team. Unfortunately, an ankle injury that he suffered during pre-season kept him out of action for 3 months.
United’s match against Everton in November 2023 saw Mainoo make his first start for the club. He was named the man of the match on his first start. His performances since then have made him a fan favourite in no time. The first big highlight of his career came in a Premier League tie against Wolverhampton. The teenager’s outrageous curling goal in added time ended up being the game-winner in a thrilling tie that ended 4-3. That goal was later named the Premier League Goal of the Month. His first goal at Old Trafford came against United’s biggest Liverpool, in a 2-2 draw.
He went on to score the goal that won United the FA Cup against derby rivals Man City. He was named the Man of the Match in that final. Still just 18, the midfielder very quickly became his club’s best player by far.
Euro 2024
Mainoo’s impressive performances saw him get called up by England for the 2024 Euros. is competitive debut for England came as a substitute in their opening game against Serbia. He played just 4 minutes in a 1-0 win. The 18-year-old remained on the bench for their 2nd Group stage game against Denmark. However, for their final group stage game against Slovenia, Mainoo played the entirety of the second half. Kobbie became the 3rd youngest player to start for England in the knockout stages of a major tournament during England’s 2-1 win against Slovakia, in the round of 16. Furthermore, he became the youngest player to play a major Semi-Final for England as they defeated the Netherlands 2-1, with him playing 90 minutes. Finally, he started in the final against Spain, after just a few full months of playing professional football.
Falling Out Of Favour
24/25
Under Erik Ten Hag, Kobbie Mainoo became the first name on the teamsheet. He was being compared to Manchester United icons and was being named as the greatest product of United’s Carrington academy in recent years. The youngster even placed 3rd in the 2024 Kopa trophy. However, the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November 2024 would see Mainoo’s time at United taking a dramatic twist.
His place as United’s most important player diminished under the new coach. He barely played the full 90 minutes under him, as opposed to never being subbed off under Ten Hag. The arrival of Manuel Ugarte from PSG made things more difficult. The Portuguese coach was very adamant about his system and believed that Ugarte is a better fit for his system than Mainoo. This came as a surprise to the supporters, as the Uruguayan midfielder was prone to big mistakes.
To make things worse, Mainoo suffered a muscle injury in February 2025, which kept him out for 10 games.
During United’s run to the Europa League final, Mainoo played just 41 minutes combined in the Quarter-finals, 15 minutes combined in the Semis, and just 1 minute in the final.
25/26
United ended the 24/25 season without silverware and in 15th position in the Premier League. United desperately needed a good season following some decent reinforcements. However, the 25/26 season started on a disastrous note. They lost their first game of the season against Arsenal, although the performance was promising. Their second game of the season saw United crumble against and get dominated by Fulham in a 1-1 draw. Their third game was potentially the most embarrassing defeat in their recent history, as the club lost after having to go to penalties against a 4th division mid-table club, Grimsby Town.
However, the big issue within this mess is the fact that Kobbie Mainoo has not played a single minute so far this season. The decision by Amorim to leave Kobbie out once he got his signings in his preferred system sparked transfer links surrounding the youngster. These links are now confirmed, as David Ornstein reported that Kobbie Mainoo is seeking a loan move away from the club in search of gametime.
Should Kobbie Mainoo leave United?
From Mainoo’s perspective, it would make sense to leave United if the current trend continues. However, from United’s perspective, letting go of Mainoo would be one of their worst-ever decisions. The reason why Mainoo is even in this position is due to Amorim’s system. Therefore, letting go of Mainoo would make sense if Amorim’s system is working. But that’s not the case; Amorim has a record of 28 points from 29 games in the Premier League, which is relegation level. His system has not been particularly pleasing to watch either.
Manchester United is home to one of the longest-standing records in football history. The Red Devils have had at least one academy player in their matchday squad for 86 consecutive years, beginning in 1937. The Carrington Academy is of such great significance for the club. Letting go of the best player to come out of that academy in recent years, and the only player as of now standing between the record continuing and ending, would be a shame. If it came down to choosing Mainoo and Amorim, based on their current performances, they should choose Mainoo every day of the week.
