Kobbie Mainoo was indispensable for Manchester United since the turn of the year, but he is yet to kick a ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The English midfielder was inches away from leaving Old Trafford in the winter transfer window after being relegated to a bench role under former head coach Ruben Amorim.
However, his fortunes significantly improved in January, after the Portuguese lost his job and Michael Carrick was appointed as his replacement. One of Carrick’s first decisions was to scrap Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and reinstate Mainoo into the team.
The 21 year old responded by dictating the middle of the park for the rest of the season, helping United finish third in the Premier League table. He ended the campaign with one goal and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 28 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | 1,654' |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | 90' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 62' |
| Total | 30 | 18 | 1 | 3 | 3 | - | 1,806' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Mainoo’s efforts did not escape the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel. The German included the young midfielder in his squad for the World Cup, but has yet to hand him his first appearance in the tournament.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Arsenal’s Declan Rice have been preferred in midfield, although their limitations were laid bare in the 0-0 draw against Ghana. United legend Rio Ferdinand is convinced that the time is ripe for Tuchel to turn to Mainoo against Panama.
United man brings something different to the table
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand explained what Mainoo could bring to the table. He said: “They’re [Anderson and Rice] great at retrieving the ball, at stopping [the ball]. I saw some great stuff, especially Anderson, in terms of turnovers and winning the ball back and then setting us off again.”
“But being able to get the ball off the backline and transfer it through the team precisely, through the lines, into the more dangerous areas and the final third, those players, that’s not their first call and their best attributes as players.”
“So, who are we going to have to do that? And that’s why I thought, especially in the group stages, Kobbie Mainoo, I thought, could come in and do that.”
“Because his ability to beat the press first and then play or dribble through the press, I think, is better than Declan and Anderson because that’s part of his game.”
Mainoo’s international experience could come into play
Ferdinand went on to argue that Mainoo’s experience of participating in Euro 2024 also makes him a key figure for the Three Lions. He said: “I think you’ve got to look at past tournaments as well. Kobbie Mainoo’s best football, I think, he’s played in his whole career was at the Euros on the international scene. He was our best player then.”
“He was getting likened to Clarence Seedorf, who we got on [our podcast] this week. Like, one of the best players of a generation.”
“He’s [Mainoo] a player, I think, certain players suit international football. And by that I mean international football plays at a slower pace for most of the game. Who can then switch the pace of the game.”
“Either with the ball, running or passing it through the lines. Kobbie Mainoo is that guy. He can do that. He’s proved it at an international level. And the two [Anderson and Rice] that are there, they are great at other parts of the game. But their games are very similar in that [regard].”
Final Thoughts
Mainoo was outstanding for England at Euro 2024, even starting alongside Rice in the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final. Tuchel could be tempted to deploy that pair against Panama this weekend, where the United star could turn out to be the difference.
Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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