Kobbie Mainoo | 2026/27 Performances

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Full Name: Kobbie Mainoo
Date of Birth: Apr 19, 2005
Nationality: England

Other Nationalities: Ghana

Height: 180cm
Squad Number: 37
Position: Midfield - Central Midfield
Foot: Right
Player Agent: CAA Stellar
Contract expires: Jun 30, 2031
Contract option: Club option 1 year​

 

[BorisManUtd]

Hopefully he'll use 0 minutes at World Cup as extra motivation this season like not playing under Amorim probably helped him having great second half of season.

 

[lex talionis]

It's been written many times, but what an absurd decision by Tuchel to Siberianize Mainoo. It's not as though England were a purring 12-cylinder machine in midfield. Tuchel needs Harry and then Jude to pull rabbits out of the hat before Argentina and then we all saw England's midfield vanish like Houdini against Argentina.

Even if Tuchel prized athleticism above all and thus just had to go with Rice and Anderson, there was just no chemistry between those two in linking the back line to the front line and England could have very easily crashed out against Mexico. We can't be sure of what would have "if" (name anyone, including Saka) Mainoo had played, but Mainoo was perfectly suited to achieving the balance and control that England so obviously lacked midfield in the World Cup.

I can only assume some other exigent factor came into play -- such as the "shit in training" excuse that gets wheeled out from time to time, Tuchel being a blind, stubborn git, orders from the FA itself, or perhaps Tuchel's animus toward United. On the last point, it's extremely hard to justify the exclusion of Maguire and Shaw, based on what we saw the lack of experience by back line resulted in the collapse against Argentina -- an eventuality that was entirely foreseeable, with gas poured on the flame by Tuchel himself with his brain-dead tactics.

Mainoo comes into the season no longer a boy who dazzles and produces. He's now a man and will be brilliant for United this season from the beginning to the end.

 

[Lunar Rock]

Been reading lots of posts about him "stepping up his game" due to the new signings. Quite comical. He's a nailed on starter with Bruno next season and will be playing in all of our biggest games.

 

[Jogger Bonitoe]

It's been written many times, but what an absurd decision by Tuchel to Siberianize Mainoo. It's not as though England were a purring 12-cylinder machine in midfield. Tuchel needs Harry and then Jude to pull rabbits out of the hat before Argentina and then we all saw England's midfield vanish like Houdini against Argentina.

Even if Tuchel prized athleticism above all and thus just had to go with Rice and Anderson, there was just no chemistry between those two in linking the back line to the front line and England could have very easily crashed out against Mexico. We can't be sure of what would have "if" (name anyone, including Saka) Mainoo had played, but Mainoo was perfectly suited to achieving the balance and control that England so obviously lacked midfield in the World Cup.

I can only assume some other exigent factor came into play -- such as the "shit in training" excuse that gets wheeled out from time to time, Tuchel being a blind, stubborn git, orders from the FA itself, or perhaps Tuchel's animus toward United. On the last point, it's extremely hard to justify the exclusion of Maguire and Shaw, based on what we saw the lack of experience by back line resulted in the collapse against Argentina -- an eventuality that was entirely foreseeable, with gas poured on the flame by Tuchel himself with his brain-dead tactics.

Mainoo comes into the season no longer a boy who dazzles and produces. He's now a man and will be brilliant for United this season from the beginning to the end.

As far as I'm aware, he's the only player in the entire squad who saw zero minutes in the World Cup other than the third choice keeper. Tough to understand why he keeps being treated so shabbily by managers, first the fraud from Lisbon, and then Tuchel.

Why don't they see the same things we see? For United AND England? Makes no sense. Hopefully, these setbacks make him stronger. He's still got every chance of being a great one.

 

[ron86]

Been reading lots of posts about him "stepping up his game" due to the new signings. Quite comical. He's a nailed on starter with Bruno next season and will be playing in all of our biggest games.

Depends who the 3rd mf signing is. Tielemans is currently better than Mainoo then say our 3rd is a big money signing like Tchouameni then he won't be starting the biggest games

 

[lex talionis]

As far as I'm aware, he's the only player in the entire squad who saw zero minutes in the World Cup other than the third choice keeper. Tough to understand why he keeps being treated so shabbily by managers, first the fraud from Lisbon, and then Tuchel.

Why don't they see the same things we see? For United AND England? Makes no sense. Hopefully, these setbacks make him stronger. He's still got every chance of being a great one.

A very fair question. On the surface, one could say that Amorim was so beholden to his 343 that there simply was no place for Mainoo over either Bruno or Casemiro. And to a certain extent fair enough, but when the losses kept piling up week after week Amorim preferred taking the losses than make the obvious tactical adjustment -- which I believe he did once, against Newcastle, and we won the game, though Mainoo was out due to injury on that day. And thus Amorim was sacked, and we know all about the reversal of fortunes under Carrick, with Mainoo being a central figure in the restoration.

But the Tuchel decision to refuse playing Kobbie is inexplicable. All Tommy had to do was to watch the video from 2024 to see Mainoo perform brilliantly with Rice for England. Taken with the help of AI, but AI is getting better by the day in cobbling confirmed facts:

• Record-Breaking Passing: According to Opta statistics via Manchester United, Mainoo recorded a 96% pass completion rate during the tournament. This is the highest accuracy ever recorded by a midfielder at a European Championship since data collection began in 1980. He misplaced only five passes during the entire tournament. [1, 2, 3]
• Semi-Final Milestone: At just 19 years and 82 days old, he became the youngest player ever to start a major tournament semi-final for England in their victory over the Netherlands. [1, 2]
• Complete Midfield Display: In that semi-final, LiveScore match data highlighted that Mainoo won 100% of his duels and tackles, while leading the team in defensive recoveries and interceptions. [1]

The obvious reply is that Tuchel had Anderson whereas Southgate did not. Was Anderson reliable? Without a doubt, but the England midfield -- barring Bellingham, if you consider him more a midfielder than a second striker -- struggled to make an impact against an admittedly very good Argentina side, but what England was missing was the kind of close control passing and ball retention nous that Mainoo excels at.

As for being a great one, we're in agreement but I'll go one step further and state that Mainoo is already a great one. He has a manager who understands what Mainoo is capable of.

 

[IrishRedDevil]

Been reading lots of posts about him "stepping up his game" due to the new signings. Quite comical. He's a nailed on starter with Bruno next season and will be playing in all of our biggest games.

Tielemans and Santos might have something to say about it. Plus the potential 3rd midfielder. Mount playing deeper now also as an option.

Mainoo will start if he is good enough.

Competition is good and the players who help us win games will start the most.

 

[Bwuk]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

 

[Jogger Bonitoe]

A very fair question. On the surface, one could say that Amorim was so beholden to his 343 that there simply was no place for Mainoo over either Bruno or Casemiro. And to a certain extent fair enough, but when the losses kept piling up week after week Amorim preferred taking the losses than make the obvious tactical adjustment -- which I believe he did once, against Newcastle, and we won the game, though Mainoo was out due to injury on that day. And thus Amorim was sacked, and we know all about the reversal of fortunes under Carrick, with Mainoo being a central figure in the restoration.

But the Tuchel decision to refuse playing Kobbie is inexplicable. All Tommy had to do was to watch the video from 2024 to see Mainoo perform brilliantly with Rice for England. Taken with the help of AI, but AI is getting better by the day in cobbling confirmed facts:

• Record-Breaking Passing: According to Opta statistics via Manchester United, Mainoo recorded a 96% pass completion rate during the tournament. This is the highest accuracy ever recorded by a midfielder at a European Championship since data collection began in 1980. He misplaced only five passes during the entire tournament. [1, 2, 3]
• Semi-Final Milestone: At just 19 years and 82 days old, he became the youngest player ever to start a major tournament semi-final for England in their victory over the Netherlands. [1, 2]
• Complete Midfield Display: In that semi-final, LiveScore match data highlighted that Mainoo won 100% of his duels and tackles, while leading the team in defensive recoveries and interceptions. [1]

The obvious reply is that Tuchel had Anderson whereas Southgate did not. Was Anderson reliable? Without a doubt, but the England midfield -- barring Bellingham, if you consider him more a midfielder than a second striker -- struggled to make an impact against an admittedly very good Argentina side, but what England was missing was the kind of close control passing and ball retention nous that Mainoo excels at.

As for being a great one, we're in agreement but I'll go one step further and state that Mainoo is already a great one. He has a manager who understands what Mainoo is capable of.

Can't really argue with anything you've said here, some fantastic points. But by 'great one,' I meant someone who goes down as a great player in Manchester United (and/or England) history. Obviously, he's not there yet.

 

[Ekeke]

A very fair question. On the surface, one could say that Amorim was so beholden to his 343 that there simply was no place for Mainoo over either Bruno or Casemiro. And to a certain extent fair enough, but when the losses kept piling up week after week Amorim preferred taking the losses than make the obvious tactical adjustment -- which I believe he did once, against Newcastle, and we won the game, though Mainoo was out due to injury on that day. And thus Amorim was sacked, and we know all about the reversal of fortunes under Carrick, with Mainoo being a central figure in the restoration.

But the Tuchel decision to refuse playing Kobbie is inexplicable. All Tommy had to do was to watch the video from 2024 to see Mainoo perform brilliantly with Rice for England. Taken with the help of AI, but AI is getting better by the day in cobbling confirmed facts:

• Record-Breaking Passing: According to Opta statistics via Manchester United, Mainoo recorded a 96% pass completion rate during the tournament. This is the highest accuracy ever recorded by a midfielder at a European Championship since data collection began in 1980. He misplaced only five passes during the entire tournament. [1, 2, 3]
• Semi-Final Milestone: At just 19 years and 82 days old, he became the youngest player ever to start a major tournament semi-final for England in their victory over the Netherlands. [1, 2]
• Complete Midfield Display: In that semi-final, LiveScore match data highlighted that Mainoo won 100% of his duels and tackles, while leading the team in defensive recoveries and interceptions. [1]

The obvious reply is that Tuchel had Anderson whereas Southgate did not. Was Anderson reliable? Without a doubt, but the England midfield -- barring Bellingham, if you consider him more a midfielder than a second striker -- struggled to make an impact against an admittedly very good Argentina side, but what England was missing was the kind of close control passing and ball retention nous that Mainoo excels at.

As for being a great one, we're in agreement but I'll go one step further and state that Mainoo is already a great one. He has a manager who understands what Mainoo is capable of.

Some great data there

 

[Brightonian]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

1) I think that’s unfair.

2) I strongly suspect the club would discourage this. Playing or not, he’s still training at full capacity throughout the WC and not taking any time off would probably be unwise from a physical and mental health perspective.

 

[MadDogg]

1) I think that’s unfair.

2) I strongly suspect the club would discourage this. Playing or not, he’s still training at full capacity throughout the WC and not taking any time off would probably be unwise from a physical and mental health perspective.

Yep. It'd be outright negligence from the club to allow it.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Not just unpopular, but against player welfare rules.

Of course the lad needs a break after being at the WC.

 

[TheReligion]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Why does he need to?

 

[the_12th_devil]

I have been thinking a lot about Kobbie long term position and I am still not sure where he fits best. Is he more of # 6 or # 8? Hes comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, carrying it through midfield and progressing play but I am not convinced hes a natural holding midfielder. At the same time, while he can play as # 8, I am not sure if pairing him with another attack minded midfielder gives us the right balance. For example, how comfortable are we with a midfield of Mainoo and Santos? Or Mainoo and Tielemans? Does either partnership provide enough defensive stability against the stronger teams? Part of me thinks Santos and Tielemans might actually be the more balanced pairing in those games with Mainoo offering a different option from the bench.

That leads to another question. Is Mainoo's long term position actually be # 10 eventually replacing Bruno? He certainly has the composure, close control and intelligence but the question is whether he will develop the creativity, vision and final ball needed to consistently produce the kind of chances Bruno creates. Mainoo is still very young so theres plenty of time for him to develop but I am just curious what everyone else thinks his best position is in the long run. Is he # 6, # 8 or is he ultimately destined to become # 10?

 

[Maagge]

Been reading lots of posts about him "stepping up his game" due to the new signings. Quite comical. He's a nailed on starter with Bruno next season and will be playing in all of our biggest games.

I'm not sure we have any nailed on starters outside of Bruno and Lammens.

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Nah that would be silly. The season is long, we don't need players to start the season already looking for a break.

It probably means he won't start the first few games, but he'll get his chances and should be ready to start at some point in September.

Of course he might have to show more than Santos or Tielemans but that's healthy competition.

 

[Ceteris]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Maybe not return immediately but not sure he needs all the 21 days available to him.

As someone already said "if he's good enough then he will play"

My only issue was that with him playing well we still had no midfield control.

Am sure some will put that on Casemiro but he actually went about the pitch more than Lonnie.

I feel there was some improvement last season but ultimately a manager will decide not fans. Rightly or wrongly

 

[Bwuk]

Not just unpopular, but against player welfare rules.

Of course the lad needs a break after being at the WC.

Lammens returned early no?

Mainoo has had a very rocky season just gone, yes it went great when Carrick took over but he needs to hit the ground running this season.

I think it’s unlikely he starts vs Hull on the 22nd now, and if Tielemans/Santos play well he might struggle to take the spot off them.

 

[redcarpet]

Lammens returned early no?

Mainoo has had a very rocky season just gone, yes it went great when Carrick took over but he needs to hit the ground running this season.

I think it’s unlikely he starts vs Hull on the 22nd now, and if Tielemans/Santos play well he might struggle to take the spot off them.

Belgium got knocked out on 10th July whilst England stayed in the tournament until the 18th. The mandatory rest period is 21 days which would be 8th Aug.

 

[lex talionis]

I have been thinking a lot about Kobbie long term position and I am still not sure where he fits best. Is he more of # 6 or # 8? Hes comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, carrying it through midfield and progressing play but I am not convinced hes a natural holding midfielder. At the same time, while he can play as # 8, I am not sure if pairing him with another attack minded midfielder gives us the right balance. For example, how comfortable are we with a midfield of Mainoo and Santos? Or Mainoo and Tielemans? Does either partnership provide enough defensive stability against the stronger teams? Part of me thinks Santos and Tielemans might actually be the more balanced pairing in those games with Mainoo offering a different option from the bench.

That leads to another question. Is Mainoo's long term position actually be # 10 eventually replacing Bruno? He certainly has the composure, close control and intelligence but the question is whether he will develop the creativity, vision and final ball needed to consistently produce the kind of chances Bruno creates. Mainoo is still very young so theres plenty of time for him to develop but I am just curious what everyone else thinks his best position is in the long run. Is he # 6, # 8 or is he ultimately destined to become # 10?

Kobbie is more of an 8 and than 6. The idea on the table is to pair him with a ball-winning midfielder who is proficient progressing the ball into the attack, which Santos is. I'm very comfortable pairing Mainoo with Santos, though we obviously need to see to believe it.

I wouldn't relegate Mainoo to squad man status just yet.

As for the long-term, it's anyone's guess what we'll do when Bruno leaves, whenever that might be. I could see Cole Palmer coming back home to Manchester to assume the 10 role...and I wouldn't want to push Mainoo into a position that at least based on what we've seen so far isn't his best position.

 

[Poborsky's hair]

I have been thinking a lot about Kobbie long term position and I am still not sure where he fits best. Is he more of # 6 or # 8? Hes comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, carrying it through midfield and progressing play but I am not convinced hes a natural holding midfielder. At the same time, while he can play as # 8, I am not sure if pairing him with another attack minded midfielder gives us the right balance. For example, how comfortable are we with a midfield of Mainoo and Santos? Or Mainoo and Tielemans? Does either partnership provide enough defensive stability against the stronger teams? Part of me thinks Santos and Tielemans might actually be the more balanced pairing in those games with Mainoo offering a different option from the bench.

That leads to another question. Is Mainoo's long term position actually be # 10 eventually replacing Bruno? He certainly has the composure, close control and intelligence but the question is whether he will develop the creativity, vision and final ball needed to consistently produce the kind of chances Bruno creates. Mainoo is still very young so theres plenty of time for him to develop but I am just curious what everyone else thinks his best position is in the long run. Is he # 6, # 8 or is he ultimately destined to become # 10?

Mainoo is a 6/8 hybrid in a double pivot, but he's lacking athleticism to run up and down in the modern football as a pure 8. He's very press resistant and he will not struggle for pace as a no6 as much as no8. so if we purely talk 6 or 8 it should be 6/double pivot.

He will ultimately build a better physicallity and improve defensive skills to be the first player to receive the ball from defense, maybe take a cheeky carry infield or pass the ball forward between the lines, while having seomeone beside him. His passing is limited but it doesnt need to be perfect if hes dependable defensively and can beat the lines with his occasional burst forward. So for me he'l likely end up as a double pivot with another player like Santos who can play a quick first time pass between the lines and sweep the pitch better for danger, so he can have more freedom to dribble forward, or even receive the ball from a 6.

If he's paired with tielemans, again as a double pivot sharing defensive duties but be the one driving with the ball forward rather than hitting a long pass. If he's with Mount he will be a six but notideal.

As a 10 he operates well around the box - like most of our academz graduates, but lacks the drive to get the goao, top level vision and passing or shooting ability. he's not bully enough. Fancy player to have there but not the most forward.

It's not like he cannot be a makeshift decent 8,10 but his lack athleticism and goal threat will limit him from being used there at the top level.

Hope he works hard becomes whatever and proves people wrong but my prediction is he might end up a back up at some point behind Santos who is a better 6,or Tielemans who is a better DLP, if Mount stays fit behind him as Mount has more attacking threat in his locker. And not talking about the big CM signing we are expecting,.

 

[CallyRed]

Lammens returned early no?

Mainoo has had a very rocky season just gone, yes it went great when Carrick took over but he needs to hit the ground running this season.

I think it’s unlikely he starts vs Hull on the 22nd now, and if Tielemans/Santos play well he might struggle to take the spot off them.

But Lammens had a break and played like 20 minutes. You are suggesting Mainoo come back straight after the tournament, without rest?
Just because he didn't play a game, he would still be training at full capacity. I don't think you can say it was a holiday camp for him.

 

[Lunar Rock]

There's no way Carrick forgets what Kobbie helped him achieve in the second half of last season. He'll be Carrick's guy until he's displaced if he doesn't perform.

 

[Redlyn]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Make an impression on who? Carrick who already clearly rates him? Also a clean break is absolutely necessary for the mental reset ahead of a new season.

 

[Posh Red]

He’s going to have his best season I think. The signs were there at the end of last season. He’s becoming a more rounded midfielder. He’s so classy and composed, he can become a world class player.

 

[TsuWave]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Good thing it’s an unpopular opinion. Good lord.

 

[CG1010]

Mainoo can pair well with either of Santos and Tielemans depending on the game. Mainoo and Santos can be great, especially as they complement each other well - one is low volume high impact midfielder, another is high volume touches and passes. Mainoo is great at close control and receiving the ball and Santos makes himself available for passes to release the ball. Mainoo can progress the ball by carrying and Santos can do so in passes. Santos is good at defensive screening and ball winning too. Only problem is both aren't great at covering the length of the pitch, for which we will have to compensate through other players.

Mainoo and tielemans can also work well against smaller teams who are trying to park the bus.

 

[mav_9me]

Kobbie is more of an 8 and than 6. The idea on the table is to pair him with a ball-winning midfielder who is proficient progressing the ball into the attack, which Santos is. I'm very comfortable pairing Mainoo with Santos, though we obviously need to see to believe it.

I wouldn't relegate Mainoo to squad man status just yet.

As for the long-term, it's anyone's guess what we'll do when Bruno leaves, whenever that might be. I could see Cole Palmer coming back home to Manchester to assume the 10 role...and I wouldn't want to push Mainoo into a position that at least based on what we've seen so far isn't his best position.

I think he is good enough to be either. He essentially played as a 6 last season and towards the last weeks you could see his defensive improvements too. And his press resistance makes his very useful in progressing the ball and avoiding other teams pressing us deep in our half.

And when paired with someone like Santos, he can be an 8 and do it in a slightly advance part of the pitch.

And I think Tielemans and Kobbie will play a lot of games together in midfield 2.

 

[Chungy]

I think Mainoo's a 6/8 hybrid in a double pivot too, and don't see why he shouldn't be considered a 6 when he played like that in the last few games and did really well. (it seemed to be that him and Case were used as 6/8 alternates since Carrick's come in, and Mainoo was the 6 more often towards the end of the season). If anything, having a pure destroyer with weak on-the-ball skills is probably the worst type of partner for Mainoo right now (his long range passing isn't consistent/done often enough yet, and lacks the physicality to constantly dribble up the pitch if the other CM doesn't contribute much - e.g. Ugarte types).

And the possible combinations of our 3 main CMs (4 if you count Mount) is why I'm quite excited to see how they combine (though still want another CM, though would argue a marquee one may not be what we need now):

- Mainoo & Tielemans: alternate 6/8 system with them taking turns picking balls up from deep & the other finding space further up, for now probably our preferred starting combo most games

- Santos & Mainoo / Santos & Tielemans: Santos would be the 6 and Mainoo/Tielemans 6/8, may be how we close out a game or start big games if Santos is in a good run of form

- Mainoo & Mount / Tielemans & Mount: Mainoo and Tielemans would be the 6, may happen when people need a rest against a small team

- Santos & Mount: 2nd 11 combo

I think all 4 CMs right now have different abilities on the ball that'd allow us to vary how we build up our attacks, along with different levels defensively & offensively that'd mean we'll see different combinations for different opponents/state of the match (Santos + Tielemans the most defensive, Mainoo + Mount most attacking). I also see them relatively similar in level that our starting CMs will be a lot more dependent on form than some are assuming right now, (I can definitely see Santos + Mainoo or Santos + Tielemans as a viable starting CM right now if Santos performs well as a subbie for a few matches). Still not relying on Mount to stay fit so would still prefer a physical 6, but can we get a nailed on starter as I can't see Santos/Mainoo or Tielemans being happy with sharing 1 CM slot.

 

[Dannn411]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Huh? Why? He has made more than an impression since joining the senior team. He doesn't need to prove s**t.

 

[whitbyviking]

Unpopular opinion maybe but Mainoo should have came straight back to training after the tournament to make an impression.

Depends on the context. Personally I probably would have come back early, if not on pre-planned holiday somewhere, to be around the team mates and club again to get the stink of a wasted World Cup out of my system. More from being pissed off than feeling a need to prove myself by not taking a break.

The World Cup had to have stung and I’d want to prove Tuchel wrong and hit the ground running in the new season.

Behind the scenes the club should be politely enquiring as the why Kobbie never got a sniff. There are enough people around the club friendly with the squad and the players. If it was a weird Tuchel decision then we need to protect Kobbie and the club against it. I’d seriously consider not allowing any of our players to go to meaningless friendlies, for example, when they might be more likely to play as Tuchel’s favourites are more likely to drop out. Can’t let him take the pee out of the club.