What’s Next for Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United?
Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov has expressed concern for young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, calling his current situation at the club “really cruel.” Below you will see inormation about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
The 20-year-old has barely played under new manager Ruben Amorim, leading to questions about his future. Mainoo has made just one start across all competitions this season.
Berbatov praised Mainoo’s confidence on the ball and calmness under pressure, comparing those qualities to what made him a fan favourite during his own career at Old Trafford. He believes the youngster is special and deserves more opportunities.
But the Bulgarian also acknowledged football’s harsh reality: a player can rise quickly and fall just as fast. Mainoo’s journey from Premier League breakthrough to England regular has suddenly stalled and patience is being tested.
From Breakout Star to Bench Warmer
Last season, Mainoo was one of United’s brightest talents. He started 21 games in a row to finish the campaign and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City a moment that cemented him as a supporter favourite. Even after a calf injury earlier in 2024, he regained a starting role and seemed vital to United’s midfield.
But Amorim’s arrival brought a tactical shift, and Mainoo is no longer central to the plan. He has played just 138 league minutes this season and didn’t even travel with the squad for the recent draw against Tottenham. Such a sudden drop in involvement has left fans confused and the player frustrated. For a talent once expected to lead the midfield for years, the change has been dramatic.
Read Also:San Siro Set for Demolition as AC Milan and Inter Secure Historic Deal
Should Mainoo Leave to Keep Growing?
Berbatov believes Mainoo must now make a tough decision. Should he stay and fight for his place, or move somewhere he can play regularly? The ex-striker fears Mainoo’s development could stall if he continues to wait for chances that may never come.
He admires the midfielder’s confidence and natural arrogance qualities young stars need but says a manager’s trust is everything. If Amorim doesn’t believe he is ready to start, Mainoo may need to act before he loses momentum. For Berbatov, the priority is simple Mainoo must play. His career should not be paused during his most important years.
A Loan Move Could Be the Best Solution
Mainoo asked to leave on loan during the summer, but Amorim blocked the move. With Bruno Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order and United sticking to a rigid system, his chances of regular minutes remain slim.
West Ham are reportedly ready to try again in January with a loan offer. Such a move would allow Mainoo to develop while still keeping his future tied to Manchester United the club he loves.
But the longer he stays unused, the harder it may become to convince him that his future remains at Old Trafford. United must act soon before they risk losing a star they worked so hard to create. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
