Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup status has largely been that of a frustrated young player, but the stars are lining up for a fairytale.
So far, Thomas Tuchel has given Kobbie Mainoo zero minutes in this World Cup, even as England are into the quarter-finals after some good performances.
It’s deja vu for Man Utd fans, who are seeing Mainoo get ignored by another manager after a tough time under Ruben Amorim.
However, Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup status could be about to change as a major injury forces Tuchel’s hand.
What is your message to Kobbie Mainoo after Thomas Tuchel overlooked him for England again?
Mainoo has played 0 minutes in England's opening four games…
Kobbie Mainoo World Cup status update
With England just three steps away from glory, the fixtures are about to get tough, and Mainoo is waiting in the wings.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are running on fumes, while Jordan Henderson has picked up a major injury in the aftermath of England’s win against Mexico.
As it stands, if either Rice or Anderson need some time off, Mainoo should be the first one off the bench.
It is reminiscent of the Euros 2024 tournament, where Gareth Southgate was reticent about putting Mainoo into the deep end.
However, Mainoo performed so well in the minutes he played that he ended that tournament as the starter in the final against Italy.
Tuchel is more stubborn and pragmatic, so it’s unlikely that he breaks up the Rice-Anderson pairing, but the chance is there for Mainoo to repeat those 2024 heroics and end the World Cup as a hero again.
Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup status could be about to change at the best possible time.
Man Utd in a win-win situation with Mainoo
It goes without saying that Mainoo would have liked to play a larger part in the campaign so far, but United are in a win-win situation.
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At this point, they either get a fresh and rested Mainoo back at Carrington or they get a player who played when the stakes were highest.
Even if England get eliminated, Mainoo is largely insulated from the blame because he hasn’t played a big enough role in getting them there.
United will continue to monitor Mainoo’s World Cup status closely, but they can’t lose in this situation now, barring an injury.
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