Despite being deemed a future superstar, the Manchester United star has failed to break into Ruben Amorin's starting eleven and is set to leave in January 2026.
Manchester United invested over £200 million in summer reinforcements, yet inconsistency and struggles to control favorable matches have kept Reben Amorin's squad out of the Premier League's top four as 2025 draws to a close.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has been United's most valued midfielder since he arrived at the club, and it seems this hasn't changed this season, as the Portuguese star provided 6 assists, the most in England.
With players like Mason Mount, Bryan Mbuemo, and Matheus Cunha in his arsenal, Amorin is struggling to find someone who can support Bruno in his role as the squad's sole provider. Another key issue is Amorin's underutilization of Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo Remains on The Bench
Despite the team's urgent need for creative talent, Mainoo, who has been available all season, has been overlooked for Premier League starts, raising questions about Amorin's tactical choices.
Mainoo reportedly considered leaving in the summer, but was convinced to stay by promises of significant playing time—a promise now in doubt given his lack of opportunities.
As the winter window nears, Mainoo's situation has worsened: now, with limited game time, legends like Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt advise him to leave the club, underscoring his current predicament.
According to Defense Central, Real Madrid and Barcelona will battle for the midfielder's signature in 2026. Both teams consider Mainoo a future superstar. Reports suggest Kobbie is waiting to move. As a result, Florentino Perez reportedly handles the situation calmly, even as Barca makes efforts to sign the player.
Mainoo broke into Manchester United's first team during Erik Ten Hag's tenure and was considered a generational talent, which helped secure his selection to England's Euro 2024 squad.
As a product of the Manchester United academy, Mainoo embodies the club’s tradition of promoting young players. This is important for the club’s culture and connection with fans.
He also started the final against Spain, which the Three Lions unfortunately lost 2-1.Real Madrid reportedly is an admirer of Mainoo's physicality and ball-control skills and would like to sign the player to strengthen their midfield for the future.
With the departures of their famous trio of Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modric over the past three years and given the players' inclination towards the European giants, Los Blancos might be the favorites to sign Mainoo next year.