Midway through last season, Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career was up in the air, with Ruben Amorim not gelling with the midfield star and leaving him frozen out at Old Trafford.
A move away from Manchester was looking increasingly likely, but after Amorim was given his marching orders, Michael Carrick restored Mainoo to the starting XI and the 21-year-old hasn’t looked back.
Mainoo enjoyed a fine second half of the campaign, helping United to an impressive third-place finish and winning a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.
Message from United legend
The Stockport-born youngster has already proved he can handle the pressures of international football, having started in the 2024 Euros under Gareth Southgate, with England just missing out on the trophy.
The Three Lions will be hoping to go one better in the U.S., with their tournament curtain-raiser taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) against the experienced and stubborn Croatia.
As revealed by manutd.com, Mainoo is desperate to make an impact and ready to start the game should Tuchel give him the nod in the opener.
The midfield maestro also revealed a heart-warming message from United legend Wayne Rooney on the eve of the big kick-off, with Rooney backing Mainoo to leave his mark over the coming weeks before praising his attitude throughout the domestic campaign.
“Hi Kobbie, just a message to say good luck at the World Cup. Just be yourself and you’ll be a star there, mate. Also, how you have handled everything this season has been a lesson to all young football players, a great example to young and old players.
“And finally, you might not see, but having two lads in the United Academy, you should realise you are an inspiration to them and to the young lads there. Keep doing what you are doing. Be yourself. Much love, Wazza,” said Rooney.
Mainoo was clearly delighted with Rooney’s “amazing” words, labelling the former England striker as the “role model” all the young players would look up to when he was growing up at United.
Impressive turnaround
Amorim’s decision to bench Mainoo at the start of the season undoubtedly played a part in his eventual dismissal, with fans left in disbelief that the Portuguese coach continued to ignore the youngster’s obvious talent. The Old Trafford faithful were visibly frustrated that one of their own could not force his way into a struggling side that was crying out for a player of his profile to inject some life into the side.
However, Carrick’s show of faith has more than paid off, and even with the game time, it was down to Mainoo to prove Amorim and his doubters wrong with his performances on the pitch. Mainoo certainly grabbed his opportunity with both hands and will be ready to do the same when he gets on the field at the showpiece occasion.
Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are currently the favoured midfield pairing of the German coach, but Tuchel will know the value of the United man, who might not start the tournament but will have designs on finishing it and becoming a key figure, just as he did in 2024.
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