Manchester United continue to face early-season turbulence as Ruben Amorim’s side try to navigate a tricky start to the 2025/26 campaign.
After a humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town on penalties, confidence is low in the squad, and fans are questioning the utilisation of key players.
United’s midfield has been a focal point of debate, with questions over how young talent like Kobbie Mainoo can develop under the current system.
The Reds have already seen homegrown stars like Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford exit, while Alejandro Garnacho’s impending move to Chelsea adds to the uncertainty surrounding squad morale.
Amid these challenges, international call-ups are taking place, giving further context to who is in favour and who is being left out.
Thomas Tuchel recently announced his England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, and notably, Kobbie Mainoo was absent from the selection.
The Manchester United midfielder has reportedly expressed frustration over his lack of minutes, having not featured in the opening two Premier League games of the season.
United’s hierarchy, however, have made it clear that Kobbie Mainoo is expected to stay and fight for his place, a stance that Amorim reiterated in his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s clash with Burnley.
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Speaking about Mainoo, Tuchel said in a press conference: “He deserved to start. He was impressive.
“Was just impressive how he played, how he played in the club is maybe the most important and then it was almost logical step that he played for the country and he played fearless.
“He played with excitement that the youth sometimes brings and now he experienced the other side of it.
“Sometimes you can feel the pressure and changes in the club are not in your favour and he’s lacking the minutes.
“I don’t think he lacks anything else. He has the experience, the power, the quality, the talent to be on our list.
“He is on our list of players but at the moment, on his position six, eight, 10 position we have players who are in full rhythm and who play key parts in their clubs, and this is the next step for him.”
The comments underline Mainoo’s standing in international plans despite limited club action, highlighting the delicate balance United must manage between youth development, squad hierarchy, and the player’s ambitions.
With the transfer window still open, speculation over Mainoo’s future will continue to swirl, but for now, both United and Amorim are united in their desire for the 20-year-old to remain at Old Trafford.
