Nicky Butt shares what he’d be telling Kobbie Mainoo to do now if he was guiding his career

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Nicky Butt has given Kobbie Mainoo advice after struggling to get into Manchester United’s line-up under Ruben Amorim.

Kobbie Mainoo burst onto the scene two years ago under Erik ten Hag and instantly became a key member of the team.

In his first two seasons, Mainoo won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. He also started the Euro 2024 final for England.

The 20-year-old seemed destined to be a long-term figure in United’s midfield, but after a difficult 2024/25 season due to injuries, the academy graduate has not started a single game in the Premier League this term.

Mainoo asked for a loan move away from Old Trafford in the summer, but he remained at the club due to the shortage of options in midfield.

Speculation over Mainoo’s future has not gone away, although it would be a shock if United let the midfield ace leave midway through the season.

Nicky Butt advises Kobbie Mainoo to consider Man Utd exit

Amorim admitted that Mainoo deserves more games, but he was limited to a second-half cameo when United lost 1-0 against Everton on Monday night.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro started in the middle of the pitch, which came as no surprise as they’re Amorim’s preferred double pivot.

Speaking to Sky Sports, former United midfielder Nicky Butt gave his verdict on Mainoo’s current situation.

Butt is ‘worried’ about Mainoo, a player he knows from working at United’s academy, describing it as ‘bizarre’ that he cannot get into the team right now, and advising him to seek opportunities elsewhere if things don’t improve.

“I’m worried about him because he’s a superstar,” Butt said.

“He’s got to the England team at 18/19. He was one of the best performers in the Euros for us.

“He’s come through the academy at Man United from the age of seven. He was there when I was there as academy manager. I know him as a person. I knew him as a young boy. I know him as a young man. I know the talent that he’s got.

“And the scary thing for me is if Kobbie Mainoo was playing for Crystal Palace, for example, if he was at any other football club, bar Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, where it’s hard to get players out of, Man United would be in for him in January for 50 60 million.

“And it’s sad because I know how much he loves football.“I know how much he loves a football club. More importantly, as we all do, we know the talent that he’s got and it’s a waste.

“And he’s a player that we could do with for a player of his ilk shouldn’t be going on loan. Either the club want you or you leave.

“It’s looking like the club don’t see him in the starting 11, which for me is bizarre with some of the players that are playing.

“So if I was his adviser, I’d be saying, ‘Look, if you don’t get in that starting 11 pretty soon, you need to go and get a new club that’s going to value you, going to help your career go forward and going to get you to the levels that you should be at and we all know you should be at.’”

When did Kobbie Mainoo last start in the Premier League?

Mainoo’s last start in the Premier League came in May when United suffered a 2-0 defeat against West Ham at the end of last season.

Amorim started Mainoo as one of the number 10s in his 3-4-2-1 system, and he played the entire match.

Mainoo will be looking for his first start since then on Sunday when United travel to Crystal Palace.

Amorim may change his team around after the disappointing performance and result against Everton.