Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t had the start to the season he would have been hoping for, missing out on another England squad as a result.
After eight games this season, one thing that has been made clear is that Kobbie Mainoo is set for severely limited game time at Manchester United.
Despite being impressive in cameos, Mainoo needs more minutes at United, with Ruben Amorim not currently inclined to give him them.
As a result of this, Phil Jones has hinted that Mainoo could leave United in January, after the midfielder was denied the chance to leave the club late in the summer transfer window.
Mainoo missed out on the latest England squad due to his lack of football, and as a result, it has now been over one year since his last call-up.
But he might’ve just been offered a lifeline.
Lee Carsley admits Kobbie Mainoo could make England U21 squad
Mainoo isn’t the only United player to miss out, with not one player in the England squad, but he is fortunate that there are other options available.
With just 113 Premier League minutes played this season, Mainoo needs all the game time he can get, and this could mean stepping back into the U21 England ranks.
Now, Lee Carsley, England U21 head coach, has spoken with the Daily Mail about Mainoo being an option for him, along with United target Adam Wharton.
“No, they’re definitely in consideration,” Carsley explained on the two super-talented midfielders.
“They’re in the senior bracket. I think it’s fair to say that they’re more senior-end than 21s-end. But I think there’s always the option.
“I’ve got in contact with both of them. So they’re players that are highly rated within the system.
“I think it’s one that we just assess every camp. I’m sure they’re both pitching to be in the senior team.”
Ruben Amorim might be interested to see Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton together
Next summer, United are set to overhaul the midfield, and one option for the Red Devils is Wharton.
Wharton could leave Palace for £60m, and he might be the ideal partner long-term for Mainoo.
However, before United spend big on Wharton, watching the pair in action together would be an excellent opportunity for the club to see how the future looks.
Therefore, Amorim might want Mainoo to get this U21 call as it could be massively beneficial for the talented youngster, both in giving him game time and also being next to Wharton.
This seems like a win-win, and hopefully, November sees Mainoo either back in the senior side or involved for the U21s.
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