Manchester United have made a busy start to the 2025/26 season, and all eyes have been on how Ruben Amorim is managing his squad amid an early mixed run of results.
The Red Devils have drawn against Fulham and lost narrowly to Arsenal, leaving fans anxious to see how emerging talents might fit into the manager’s plans.
In addition, recent first-team training sessions have highlighted the competition for midfield spots, with a number of young players pushing for opportunities.
The Premier League is only a couple games in, yet the dynamics around selection and squad management are already making headlines.
Observers have also noted how the balance between experienced stars and younger prospects will play a key role in United’s domestic and European campaigns.
Amid this backdrop, attention has turned to Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old England international has yet to feature for a single minute in the Premier League this season and has not started since United’s home defeat by West Ham on 11 May.
Despite being deemed good enough to start for England in the Euro 2024 final less than 15 months ago, Kobbie Mainoo now finds himself competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for a midfield slot, a situation that has inevitably caused concern over his long-term role.
While there is no suggestion that Mainoo is agitating to leave Old Trafford at present, contract extension talks have stalled.
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According to the BBC Sport, it is difficult to see these discussions resuming unless the midfielder can convince Amorim that he is either better than Fernandes or can be deployed effectively in an alternative role.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Mainoo, as he seeks to demonstrate his value in training and any match opportunities that arise.
With other Premier League clubs watching the progress of England’s young talent, his ability to break into Amorim’s plans could determine the next steps in his career at Old Trafford.
Fans will be hoping that Kobbie Mainoo can make the case to secure his place and potentially reignite stalled negotiations over his contract.
