Uncertainty lingers over Kobbie Mainoo despite Amorim's backing

Kobbie Mainoo’s standing at Manchester United has become the subject of renewed internal debate, despite the consistent backing of new head coach Ruben Amorim. While the Portuguese manager has repeatedly expressed his belief in the 20-year-old midfielder, The Telegraph reports growing uncertainty within the club’s leadership regarding Mainoo’s long-term role in the squad.

An inconsistent season marked by positional shifts

Following a breakout campaign in 2023–24, Mainoo’s progress during the 2024–25 season was hindered by inconsistency and injury. Amorim sought to adapt the youngster’s role, pushing him further up the pitch in a bid to harness his creative instincts. Speaking earlier in the season, the manager explained:

“He was struggling defensively in midfield. Playing him closer to the No.10 role gives him more freedom and keeps him better connected to the ball.”

In February, Mainoo was trialled as a false nine in a match against Crystal Palace. The experiment ended abruptly after he suffered a muscle injury that sidelined him for two months, disrupting his rhythm and limiting his appearances during the crucial second half of the season.

Stats from the 2024–25 campaign

Mainoo featured in a total of 37 matches across all competitions. In the Premier League, he made 25 appearances, accumulating 1,656 minutes of action. He also scored twice in the UEFA Europa League, where he played eight times. In domestic cups, his impact was more limited—two matches in the FA Cup and just one in the EFL Cup, playing only 34 minutes in the latter.

One of his most notable contributions came in the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, where he entered late in the game and caught the coaching staff’s attention. “I really like Kobbie Mainoo,” said Amorim post-match. “He only played ten minutes, but everything he did was high quality.”

Squad planning, Garnacho, and financial pressure

According to The Telegraph, the final decision on Mainoo’s future may hinge on broader squad decisions—most notably a potential transfer involving Alejandro Garnacho. With Champions League qualification missed and financial fair play rules tightening, both academy graduates could theoretically be put up for sale.

However, if Garnacho is sold, retaining Mainoo is believed to be a priority among club executives. Ultimately, though, the decision lies not with Amorim but with the boardroom. For now, the manager continues to back his midfielder, but clarity over Mainoo’s future remains elusive.