How have we come to this?
The once revered star boy of Man Utd seems more out than in at his boyhood club after more reports have surfaced that his time at Old Trafford could be nearing it's end.
This isn't the first time we've had such news but for some reason, these seem different, you know? There seems to be something more serious about these latest reports that he could be leaving.
The news comes from SullyTalkz as they're saying that "Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy about his current situation regarding lack of gametime and feels he's not being appreciated.
If the situation doesn't improve he will ask for loan exit this January as he wants to play in WC26."
The Mirror add that Napoli are the favourites to sign him as manager Antonio Conte sees him as the "prefect addition" to his midfield, one that would pair the United man with former City legend Kevin de Bruyne [via The United Stand].
Ngl, I would like to see that partnership especially with Scotty ahead and Rasmus up top 🔥.
Other clubs that would be interested in him include the likes of Villa, Newcastle as well as both Madrid clubs.
The fact that such teams are looking at him (especially the two from the Spanish capital) tells you what a top player he is. Whoever gets him, if he leaves, will be getting one hell of a footballer.
Final Thoughts
So let's talk about Mainoo.
He is arguably our most talented player given his high ceiling. I think he is our best midfielder as well considering who he has to compete with.
And that is kind of the problem: his competition.
To be being benched by Casemiro, Ugarte and Bruno, it's hardly Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta, is it? If that were the case or if those three happen to be putting in regular top performances, one can understand why Mainoo isn't in the team.
But that isn't so.
What also doesn't make sense is who the 20 year old is actually competing with for a spot in that team: Bruno Fernandes.
The captain is clearly Amorim's man and will never get benched. The manager was so adamant on this player being his savior that he (and the club) decided against letting him go to Saudi for £90m. Such money could've helped us in more ways than one. It's actually looking like a wasted opportunity given Bruno's performances and the fact that he's not a true no 8 which is causing hella problems in midfield making it easy for oppositions to play right through us.
Essentially, Mainoo is competing with a player for a position that was already his before Amorim's arrival and that player isn't actually suited to that position.
I also find that this system and midfield suits a player like Mainoo. To have that dynamic, box-to-box no 8 who is good on the ball, has quick feet, is composed and perhaps his most important attribute, has the ability to drive with possession, would make for a superb partner to a CDM whether it be Casemiro or Ugarte.
That would give us more balance compared to what we have at the moment.
While there are several holes in Amorim's team and positinons that need improving upon, the one BIG hole is that midfield.
With Bruno in there, it's almost holding the team back due his inability to play in central midfield. His play style is not suited to what is required in such a position and a point I've made a few times now is that we still don't create enough chances for the striker despite signing an entirely new front three. The skipper is the best creator in football, when playing as an attacking midfielder.
We could use that creativity higher up the pitch with Sesko benefitting from this more than most. Strikers have been starved of chances at Old Trafford for many years and to have a player like Bruno behind them would increase those goal scoring opportunities.
Of course, Amorim can't necessarily do that as he did sign two new no 10s in Cunha and Mbeumo. In saying that though, he did drop Cunha for Mount in that win over Sunderland. Mount has been at the club for two years.
So the manager can bench his new signings for another player but clearly he won't move on his decision to play Bruno as a no 8. Some would say that that is the reason as to why he will get sacked. I think we'd actually appreciated it if he acknowledged his mistake and just played the skipper as a CAM.
Why take the magnifico out of his best position? I think it's a double whammy on both the manager and player in that they're not getting the best out of each other in this situation.
If Bruno were to move into a no 10 position (or God forbid even dropped) this would clear up a space for Mainoo in the team. A part of me still feels that in this case, Amorim would rather opt for Casemiro and Ugarte instead of putting Kobbie as the no 8, but let's just get Bruno out of there first.
Why I say I believe the manager would rather two holding midfielders over Mainoo is because there's been instances where he could've used the youngster but instead played Casemiro or Ugarte. When you then look at the time he's had on the pitch, that would indicate that he isn't part of the manager's plans.
The 20 year old has played just the six games out of eight, starting one (Carabao Cup) and was even an unused sub in the opening two matches against Arsenal and Fulham. That game against Fulham was the one that told me his time is up because we were drawing 1-1 with a few minutes to go and in desperate need of a win. Amorim brought on Heaven and Maguire, two defenders, instead of a no 8 who has the ability in such tight situations to be the difference-maker as we've seen. That sealed his fate.
These games amount to a total of just 203 minutes played out of a potential 720.
Admittedly, Mainoo hasn't been his best since Amorim took over last Novermber but tbh, no one has been at their best since Amorim took over. Amorim hasn't been at his best since Amorim took over.
People would asked the question as to who has actually improved in the Portuguese's 11 months in charge. It is difficult to find such players.
Mainoo is also young. Compared to more experienced players, he might take extra time to develop but has that time to develop whereas someone like Casemiro and even Bruno, don't.
The manager may not necessarily have to use him as a starter but he definitely needed more minutes than he's had. To be subbing him on with little time left where he can't actually affect the game or not bringing him on at all and preferring two defenders over him, is unacceptable by Amorim.
If he were to start playing Mainoo, he would get some fans back on his side. Not only is he a top talent but as he is from Stockport meaning that he is pretty much a Manchester lad. He's supported the club his whole life and he's come through our famous academy, which is something we all love given our rich youth history.
We know the record of having at least one academy player in our matchday squad for almost 90 years which is a stat that we hold dear at United. This seems like the only reason why Amorim has him on the bench. Yes there's Heaton but he's a third-choice goalkeeper who's never going to get used. Mainoo is much more than that.
I understand Mainoo's frustration because he doesn't deserve this. He's far too good to be on the bench as much as he is and be benched for the midfielders we have.
Clubs like Napoli, Real Madrid and even Newcastle would be good fits for him. We see what's happening at Napoli with Conte and particularly the two United players in McTominay and Hojlund, Madrid are doing something different with a lot of young players (and it's REAL MADRID) and Mainoo could slot right in, and if he wants to stay in the PL, then he has that option as well.
As it is also a World Cup year, he will want to be in that England squad which won't happen if he isn't getting much game time. They also have a lot of top midfielders so it won't be easy for him to get into the team but at least there's a chance if he actually plays regular club football.
With the way things are carrying on, that loan in January would be a good move. I think I would let him go (as hard as that may be) just for his own good. His career is stagnating currently.
There's also fewer games and chances for rotation this season due to no European football and being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby. Amorim's job is also on the line with each game and in such circumstances, he's going to choose players he trusts more than others although you could make the case that some of those he trusts are the ones who's letting the manager down.
Mainoo also comes across as a top professional who doesn't put up much of a fuss so I can't see him being let go for this reason. I mean, he ain't out there wearing shirts of other clubs or going on strike like some others that used to be at United.
I would want to move as well and I don't think it helps his career by holding him back. If Amorim isn't going to use him, let him go.
What do you think of this whole Mainoo situation? Do you agree with the manager about his lack of game time or should we have seen more of the star boy? Would you let him go in January and potentially the summer if his situation continues?
Ruben Amorim and Kobbie Mainoo | Matt McNulty/Getty Images via Manchester Evening News