Kobbie Mainoo: Bryan Robson makes bold prediction about Man United starlet

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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was outstanding under Michael Carrick last season but had a disappointing run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Englishman was initially a peripheral figure at Old Trafford last campaign under former head coach Ruben Amorim, but things changed once the Portuguese made way for Carrick in January.

Mainoo was a revelation under the English manager, starting in all but one of his 17 games in charge and helping the Red Devils finish third. His performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup, but the 21 year old spent his entire time at the summer’s spectacle on the bench.

Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season

Mainoo only joined pre-season in the final weeks and started last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Hull City from the bench, before coming on in the 67th minute. United have already strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

Mainoo’s place in the team, as such, could come under threat from the new arrivals this season. However, United legend Bryan Robson reckons the young midfielder will be a key figure for Carrick once again.

Mainoo took command against Hull City

Speaking to talkSPORT, Robson pointed out that Mainoo instantly took command after coming off the bench against the Tigers. He said: “When Kobe came in for the last 20 minutes [against Hull], apart from Harry Maguire, I thought he was the only one who took command of the ball and kept it nice and tidy. He looked OK.”

Mainoo had 33 touches of the ball in his 23-minute cameo against Hull City. He attempted 30 passes with an 87% passing accuracy and registered two long balls, one of which found its man.

Since Carrick took charge at Old Trafford, United have lost just one game with Mainoo in the starting XI. The young midfielder has had a huge influence on the team in the past six months, which is why the Red Devils tied him down to a long-term contract before the end of last season.

With United staring at a long and busy season, the Englishman is likely to get ample chances to stake his claim in the starting XI. Robbo, meanwhile, believes Mainoo will only get better as the season progresses.

Kobbie tipped to be a mainstay in United’s midfield

The former United captain predicted Mainoo to become a mainstay in Carrick’s team as the season progressed, adding: “For me, I think he’ll get back into the team and it’ll be somebody else playing alongside him with Fernandes further forward.”

“I can see that’s the way it’ll go because I think Kobe will get better the more games he’s got because unfortunately for him, he went to the World Cup and he didn’t get any minutes on the pitch.”

“But he’s a terrific player and he showed that in the back half of last season. United have got decent options in there but like I say, I thought the lads who came back from the World Cup weren’t at it.”

Final Thoughts

There is a belief that Baleba could be the ideal midfield partner for Mainoo. As such, United fans can expect fireworks once the Cameroonian recovers from the ankle injury he is currently sidelined with.