Kobbie Mainoo looks set to be a future Manchester United captain and he is currently being taken under the wing of Bruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes wants to stay at Manchester United and that is fantastic news for all Red Devils fans. The Portuguese playmaker deserves to lift the Premier League or Champions League as captain.
There has been criticism of Fernandes’ leadership at United, but ultimately, he has led by example on and off the pitch. Emotional, yes, but also effective.
This week, Kobbie Mainoo signed a new long-term deal and said he was ready to “die” for Manchester United after scoring the winner in a 3-2 win over Liverpool. That is captain material.
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Kobbie Mainoo should be Man Utd’s next captain
United are losing Casemiro this summer, and while Harry Maguire has signed a new one-year extension, he is another dressing room leader who is in the twilight years of his career.
New leaders will have to step up, and Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a real coming-of-age breakthrough under Michael Carrick so far.
At 21 years old, Mainoo is still so young but he has already thrived on the biggest stages and has shown his commitment to the club by working through the period where he was not playing under Ruben Amorim.
Fernandes is set to stay, so he will of course remain as United’s captain, likely for the next few years. That gives Mainoo time to continue his development before stepping up and taking the armband when Bruno eventually does depart Old Trafford.
Mainoo is a Carrington graduate, a natural leader and a young player with a resilient personality and attitude – he is captain material, and the squad knows it.
Kobbie Mainoo’s new contract is OFFICIAL – let’s hear your instant reaction!!!
We nearly lost him…!
Diogo Dalot predicted Kobbie Mainoo to become captain
Diogo Dalot features in United’s six-man leadership group at Old Trafford, and he has been a very vocal voice off the pitch.
Back in December 2025, Dalot predicted Mainoo to be a future captain at United during a time when he was hardly playing under Amorim.
So far, it looks as though Dalot’s prediction is on track. Mainoo has overcome his time away from the team and has returned an even better, more well-rounded player.
Mainoo has silenced all criticism about his athleticism and work rate and become a key player in this United side.
A leadership role awaits.
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