Bruno Fernandes’ footballing brain is one of the best in the world which is why Ruben Amorim once said he’d make a great manager, and his prediction about Kobbie Mainoo has aged like wine now.
Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a dream debut season in 2023/24. It started with him being a part of the U18s squad that won the Youth Cup the season before.
It ended with him lifting the FA Cup after a starring role in the final and then a close shave with glory for England in Euros.
However, the 2024/25 season has been a cooldown one for Mainoo, with even rumours of his exit from Man Utd rife at one point.
It is now interesting to look back at the prediction Bruno Fernandes made about Mainoo when the English midfielder was at the top of the world.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United celebrates after the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes proven right about Kobbie Mainoo
Fernandes has been a fine captain when it comes to young players because he knows exactly when to talk them up or bring them back down.
He did so numerous times with Alejandro Garnacho and while Mainoo didn’t need that done to him as often, Fernandes still kept a check on his rise.
In the 2023/24 season, when it seemed like Mainoo could do no wrong, Fernandes gave the youngster his flowers but with a prediction/warning.
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Fernandes predicted Mainoo’s struggle in the season after, the 2024/25 one, saying that the breakout is always easier than sustaining it because people don’t know your game in your breakout season.
He added that Mainoo remains a hardworking and humble player who will take the experience and be better for it, which is the next part of his prediction.
The first part has already come true this season when Mainoo struggled to nail down a place under Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd fans will be extremely happy if the second part also comes true next season in a bounce-back campaign for the precocious talent.
Kobbie Mainoo faces crucial 2025/26 season
While many players in the Man Utd squad faced a judgement 2024/25 season, the result of which will be clear in this transfer window, the crucial season for Mainoo will be the next one.
Amorim’s fate is also tied to Mainoo’s in some way because he needs the youngster to take his game to the next level in a settled role, which Amorim will have to find for him.
United are already backing the Man Utd manager to the hilt by being open to Garnacho’s sale, whose relationship broke down with Amorim.
They won’t be so accommodating with Mainoo, who has been a model professional and played multiple positions already for Amorim.
The manager will need Mainoo to fire, bouncing back after a season of struggle, and the player will want trust from Amorim which was no longer a given once Erik ten Hag departed.
A crucial 2025/26 season awaits.