Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup dream is hanging in the balance. The 20-year-old midfielder, who shone for England at Euro 2024 — even starting in the final against Spain in Berlin — has found himself out of the national team picture since Thomas Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate.
Mainoo’s rise last summer looked like the start of a golden future. But one year on, his career has stalled. At Manchester United, he has struggled to earn regular minutes under new boss Ruben Amorim, starting only once this season — the shock Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby.
So far, Mainoo has made just four appearances in the campaign, a massive drop-off for a player once touted as a generational talent.
Tuchel’s decision to turn elsewhere in midfield has left Mainoo frustrated and desperate to prove his worth. The England boss has opted for other options, leaving the youngster sweating over his place ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
At Old Trafford, the situation isn’t much brighter. Mainoo is viewed as being in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes, making game time hard to come by. Despite United’s sluggish start to the new campaign, his opportunities have been limited.
Sources close to the player suggest that if his situation doesn’t improve soon, Mainoo could push for a loan move in the next transfer window. He was already keen to leave last summer in search of regular football, but United blocked the move.
Still, his determination hasn’t wavered. Mainoo has been putting in the work behind the scenes, hoping for a breakthrough. But time is ticking, and with the World Cup approaching, he knows he needs minutes to convince Tuchel he belongs in the squad.
For now, Mainoo’s focus remains on fighting his way back into United’s plans. But if his career continues to stall, a short-term move away from Old Trafford might be the only way to revive his England hopes.
Sports Market International Take: From Euro starter to bench-warmer, Mainoo’s story is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. If he wants to keep his World Cup dream alive, he’ll need either Amorim’s trust or a bold move in January.
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