Manchester United fans react to Thomas Tuchel’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo at World Cup

Add as preferred source on Google

Kobbie Mainoo has not played a single minute for England at the 2026 World Cup.

After a difficult first half to the 2025/26 season, it looked like Kobbie Mainoo was out of the picture for a call-up to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Manchester United academy graduate received his first call-up under Thomas Tuchel in March, but did enough during that international break – as well as the final five months of the Premier League season – to warrant a seat on the plane ahead of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Yet, despite England reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer, Mainoo never even got on the pitch.

Let us hear your thoughts on Thomas Tuchel’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

What Man Utd fans are saying about Kobbie Mainoo after England’s World Cup elimination

Mainoo was the only midfielder in England’s squad who had not featured at all in the tournament. The only other outfield player not to get a minute of action is Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah.

While Chalobah was a surprise inclusion after a late call-up for the injured Tino Livramento, there is a feeling of disappointment surrounding how Mainoo has been overlooked.

Even Jordan Henderson made an appearance and got seven minutes on the clock against Panama in the group phase.

United have reacted on TalkingPoints to Tuchel’s treatment of Mainoo, after favouring Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson for his midfield duo, as well as a range of players from the bench.

Most United fans thought it was disgraceful how Mainoo was treated under Tuchel this summer.

Share

jonny11h

It’s a disgrace but I am thrilled Kobbie will have had a summer off, back hungry to prove Tuchel wrong in a few weeks for United

4

Reply

Report

Share

dancoombs11h

Personally I feel the treatment of Mainoo was disgusting and ultimately self-defeating from Tuchel. I wish he had just left him at home

3

Reply

Report

Share

dale.odonnell14h

A disgrace when you consider how Henderson got minutes… in many of the games, England’s midfielders treated the ball like hot lava. Tuchel was clearly too pig-headed to call on Mainoo. United gain from England’s loss 💪

3

Reply

Report

However, some were more understanding of Tuchel’s stance.

Share

seanfisher14h

I think this is going to be a very hot take, but I get it. I love Mainoo, really want him to become an England star. But I get why he wasn’t starting ahead of Rice or Anderson. The only thing that really irks me is how he didn’t get any minutes in the group stage when HENDERSON did somehow.

1

Reply

Report

Share

amirmir14h

It’s fair game why Rice and Anderson played ahead of him. The latter I felt had some strong moments throughout the tournament. But Rice wasn’t on it at all. That’s where Mainoo should have been trusted and used a lot more.

0

Reply

Report

Another fan suggested it would be a slap in the face for Tuchel to play Mainoo in the third-place playoff against France on Saturday. The 21-year-old would be better off returning to Europe for United’s game against Wrexham in Helsinki on Saturday evening.

Share

dantowen8195111h

Honestly, if you play him in that third place play off I’m boarding a plane and dragging Kobbie home. We’ve got Wrexham to deal with 😂

3

Reply

Report

Kobbie Mainoo can set sights on Euro 2028

The European Championships in two years will be Mainoo’s next chance to compete for a major trophy on the international stage.

With Tuchel likely to be still in charge of the England national team, Mainoo will need to convince the head coach that he is worthy of a significant role in the team, rather than sitting on the bench and not featuring at the tournament.

Mainoo featured in the last European Championship final under Gareth Southgate, so he now needs to convince Tuchel that he is among his best midfielders.