Manchester United’s season has already thrown up plenty of talking points after a defeat to Arsenal and a frustrating draw with Fulham.
Pressure is building on Ruben Amorim to turn performances into victories, with Burnley next up at Old Trafford in what feels like a must-win clash.
Fans are debating the manager’s team selections and whether some of the new arrivals have disrupted rather than strengthened the squad.
The lack of youth involvement has also raised alarm bells, breaking a proud record that stretched back decades.
For many supporters, the balance between results, identity, and tradition seems increasingly fragile.
Amid all of this, one of United’s brightest prospects has found himself at the centre of growing speculation.
Kobbie Mainoo, once hailed as a cornerstone of the club’s future midfield, has not played a single minute in United’s opening two league fixtures.
His only realistic chance of a start appears to be in the Carabao Cup at Grimsby on Wednesday night, a far cry from the level supporters expected for him at this stage of his development.
Mainoo’s visible frustration was spotted at Craven Cottage, where cameras caught him wandering around the pitch looking dejected after the 1-1 draw with Fulham.
He was seen deep in conversation with fellow unused substitute Joshua Zirkzee, another player struggling to break into Amorim’s plans.
After the match, the manager confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo is competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for a midfield role — a battle he is unlikely to win given Fernandes’ influence and importance to the side.
This uncertainty has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
According to the Daily Mail, ten clubs from both the Premier League and across Europe are closely monitoring Mainoo’s situation.
With his playing time limited and his pathway to the first team blocked, rival clubs sense an opportunity to lure away one of United’s most exciting young players.
The dilemma for United is a serious one.
Selling Mainoo could provide financial relief and potentially boost transfer funds, but history warns of the risks of letting go of academy talent too soon.
United supporters are left wondering whether the club could one day regret cashing in on a player many believe still has the potential to become a midfield star at Old Trafford.
