Kobbie Mainoo: Man United star’s feelings on World Cup outlined

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The Peoples Person

15 July 2026

Manchester United’s

Kobbie Mainoo

has faced numerous challenges over the past two years.

After his fairytale breakout season in 2023/2024, he spent a significant amount of time injured during the following season and fell out of favour when Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as head coach in November 2024.

Mainoo

was often left on the bench and struggled to get any meaningful gametime under the Portuguese manager.

The midfielder was so unhappy with the situation that he was open to joining Italian side

SSC Napoli

on loan.

When

Michael Carrick

replaced Amorim as head coach in January of this year, Mainoo was immediately reinstated into the line-up and United’s form improved, allowing them to finish third in the league.

As a result, he was called up to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel for the

World Cup

. However, despite England reaching the semi-final, Mainoo has not played a single minute in competitive action.

Sky Sports

report that, “Kobbie Mainoo has cut a pretty forlorn-looking figure at this

.”

The outlet also states that, “he is one of only three outfield players who has not featured at all in the tournament. Ivan Toney and Trevoh Chalobah are the others, and they probably better understand their lot.”

Sky Sports state that for every one of England’s matches he has been the first to leave the dressing room and the first onto the team bus.

They characterise his mood as “an air of disappointment and, it seems, some disillusionment.”

The news outlet have also claimed that he has often been seen walking alone and looking “a little lost” at the

Despite Declan Rice having to be substituted in the second half against Norway, Tuchel still chose to play Eberechi Eze and Reece James out of position, much to the disbelief of United fans.

Mainoo will hope to have a chance to make his case in tonight’s blockbuster semi-final against Argentina, but there is little to suggest he will suddenly earn Tuchel’s trust in a game of such magnitude.

Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

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