Lacking a role at Man United, Mainoo risks missing the 2026 World Cup
8 games, no Premier League starts; Amorim admits it's hard to rotate. A loan move to West Ham or Napoli could save Kobbie Mainoo's 2026 World Cup chances.
With just eight appearances in all competitions and no Premier League starts to his name, Kobbie Mainoo is at a crossroads in his career. With Thomas Tuchel prioritizing young, energetic midfielders, the Manchester United midfielder’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup are fading if he continues to sit on the bench.
Limited opportunities under Ruben Amorim
Mainoo was a bright spot under Erik ten Hag, but since Ruben Amorim took over, his minutes have dropped dramatically. His only start this season came in the League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in September. He is yet to start a Premier League game.
Amorim told beIN Sports: “I saw Kobbie Mainoo training today, he deserved to play. But then I had to leave out another player who was playing very well. If we had a League Cup game, I would have seen Mainoo and Josh Zirkzee play.” With United only playing one game a week, the Portuguese coach is forced to maintain a stable squad, inadvertently narrowing the door for young players.
Loan to save: West Ham or Napoli?
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mainoo is ready to leave Man United on loan in the winter transfer window to find more playing opportunities. West Ham – who are struggling in the bottom group – are said to be ready to guarantee a starting place for the 20-year-old midfielder. Napoli is also a potential destination if Mainoo wants to test his skills in the tactical Italian football environment.
For a young player, consistency and a clear role are vital. A club willing to put Mainoo in the starting line-up immediately could help him gain experience, regain his touch and show he can make an impact at a senior level.
England's door: squeezing into the young generation
Coach Thomas Tuchel is currently prioritizing dynamic young midfielders such as Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Cole Palmer and recently Elliot Anderson. Anderson's constant testing shows the level of competition in England's midfield. Without regular playing time, Mainoo will have a hard time convincing the coaching staff that he deserves to be in the 2026 World Cup squad.
The Meaning of a Temporary Deal
Amorim does not doubt Mainoo’s talent, but he also acknowledges the limitations of rotation in a situation where there is a maximum of one game per week. Man United’s squad is currently over-abundant in midfield; if Mainoo continues to wait on the bench, it will be difficult for him to develop properly and the risk of missing out on the 2026 World Cup is very clear.
A loan deal, however short, could be the turning point. Regular playing time would allow Mainoo to demonstrate his adaptability, durability and impact – all important qualities to compete for a place in the national team.
Key numbers
- 8 appearances in all competitions this season.
- 0 starts in the Premier League.
- 1 start: League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town (September).
- Coach Ruben Amorim: “If only we had a match in the League Cup...”
- Loan options: West Ham (believed to be guaranteed a starting spot) or Napoli.
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching. For a 20-year-old talent, leaving Old Trafford to find a starting spot now could be a difficult but necessary decision to reopen the door to the national team.