Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is yet to play a single minute of England’s World Cup campaign.
England finished top of their World Cup group with a 2-0 win over Panama, with Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford impressing on his first start for the Three Lions.
But once again, fellow Carrington graduate Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench by Thomas Tuchel, despite the German choosing to lightly rotate his side.
Tuchel overlooking Mainoo has been frustrating for United fans, especially when he has fallen behind the likes of Jordan Henderson in the England pecking order. But it’s not all bad news for United.
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Man United need Kobbie Mainoo fresh for 2026/27
United are short of midfielders. That is no secret, as Ineos are spending the summer transfer window trying to add midfield reinforcements.
A £38m deal for Ederson means that the Brazilian will join Michael Carrick’s midfield ranks next season, but there is still a shocking lack of depth.
With Manuel Ugarte’s injury for Uruguay this week, United have suffered another midfield blow. He will now remain at the club this summer instead of being sold.
With United’s pre-season starting on 9 July, Carrick is staring down the barrel of having an extremely thin midfield department.
Mainoo is key to United’s midfield, and Ineos are building around him. With the current midfield crisis, United need Mainoo to be fresh, sharp and hungry this summer.
His England frustrations are understandable, but from a United perspective, keeping Mainoo bubble-wrapped and fresh for 2026/27 is a positive.
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Man United need Kobbie Mainoo to hit the ground running in 26/27
United fans can expect more midfielders to arrive this summer, with advanced talks for Mateus Fernandes and links to other targets such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba.
But as things stand, Mainoo stands alone as the only elite midfielder in this United squad.
Ederson will need time to adapt, youngsters like Tyler Fletcher and Jim Thwaites can step up but need patience, while Mason Mount is an option in midfield but would be playing out of position.
There’s no other way of saying it: Mainoo is integral. Tuchel’s treatment of the 21-year-old has been unfair and Mainoo deserves World Cup minutes as a reward for his resurgence.
But if we are searching for a silver lining, it’s that Mainoo should return to Carrington fit and with a point to prove this summer.
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