'Mystified' - Man United told they're making wrong decision on Kobbie Mainoo's future
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Credit: Imago
Ciaran Morrison
Thu 28 August 2025 16:30, UK
Manchester United have been told they should not be looking to sell midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as the pressure grows on Ruben Amorim following their humiliating League Cup exit.
Bryan Mbuemo missed the penalty in the shootout which saw Man United lose to League Two Grimsby in the League Cup.
Man United haven’t won any of their first two Premier League matches of the season against Arsenal or Fulham, with Mainoo not appearing in either fixture.
Chelsea are interested in Mainoo amid his lack of playing time at Old Trafford, whilst Spurs have also been linked with the 20-year-old.
Credit: Getty Images
BBC Sport‘s Phil McNulty, [28 August], is perplexed at why Man United would want to sell Mainoo this summer.
Mainoo came through the academy at Man United, and his form earned him a call up to England’s Euro 2024 squad, where he started the final against Spain.
McNulty believes that Amorim allowing Mainoo to leave at the first tough point in his career would be a poor decision.
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“I am mystified at how this is being allowed to happen at Manchester United,” McNulty said.
“Mainoo has proved he has huge potential, playing for England in the Euro 2024 final, and sometimes young players do go through troughs in form without being marginalised as he has been by Ruben Amorim.
“He would be a good signing for plenty of Premier League clubs, not just Spurs.
Manchester United should not be considering any deal for Mainoo.”
Credit: Imago
Football Insider Verdict
Mainoo has not been a starter under Amorim since the manager’s arrival in November last year, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes his favoured midfield pairing.
When he broke through into the Man United first team, Mainoo was brave and confident on the ball with the energy to go box-to-box.
Kobbie MainooManchester United StatsAppearanes73Goals7Assists3Kobbie Mainoo’s Man United stats in all competitions.
Yet Mainoo is not being handed a chance to impress Amorim, and in a World Cup year the 21-year-old will want to be included in the England squad.
With plenty of potential, Man United would only be strengthening a rival in allowing Mainoo to leave and the decision to let go of one of the club’s most exciting prospects could add to the pressure already on Amorim following their League Cup humiliation.