Kobbie Mainoo had an extraordinary debut campaign at Manchester United but has since struggled to recreate that form this season.
Manchester United academy star Kobbie Mainoo made a sensational breakthrough at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag last season.
After making his full Premier League debut against Everton in November 2023, the young midfielder quickly established himself as a key player for the club.
His reputation soared when he netted the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, and it skyrocketed further after delivering standout performances for England at Euro 2024.
However, Mainoo’s second professional season has been less impressive, partly due to injuries and the challenge of adapting to new manager Ruben Amorim’s system.
Despite this, there is no doubt that the 19-year-old should be a central figure in United’s future plans under Amorim’s leadership.
Mainoo receives advice about poor United season
Mainoo is currently locked in contract talks with the club and the usual games are being played out. Some outlets are claiming that the teenager wants £180,000-per-week. It is a priority for United to find a solution soon.
Read More: Kobbie Mainoo’s true wage demands revealed after £180,000-a-week Manchester United rumours
However, in terms of priorities on the pitch, Mainoo simply needs to get back on the pitch and find some form after recent struggles.
Teddy Sheringham spoke to Prime Casino to explain his belief that this season will be very positive for Mainoo in the long term, though. After a stunning debut campaign, experiencing the ups and downs of the professional game will benefit the teenager.
“Mainoo, at the start of the season everyone was talking about him, that he’s going to be a Manchester United legend for the next 20 years. He was going to be mainstay in the England squad, and now, all of a sudden, he’s on the sidelines,” Sheringham said.
“That’s an experience that Mainoo will be better for because of it. He’ll bounce back. That will hold him in good stead. You know, like I’m talking about with the Beckham period. This will hold Mainoo in good stead, that it’s not all a bed of roses.
“There will be ups and downs in your career. It’s not easy to get in there and compete and perform each season. You have to be at the top of your game, and watching other people performing will help him in the long run.”
Mainoo’s contract saga becoming a joke
While the stories currently coming out in relation to Mainoo’s contract situation are not entirely surprising, it should’ve been dealt with much better.
One of the biggest problems is the confidence that United clearly entered negotiations with. It was briefed almost a year ago that talks would take place soon.
First of all it was his Euro 2024 involvement which delayed things, and then United prioritised a deal for Amad beforehand.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United are “very happy” with star after intense exit rumours
All the while, Mainoo’s situation has lingered on and made is seem like time is running out despite the 19-year-old still having multiple years left on his existing deal.
Despite the rumours, United fans are confident that Mainoo will stay at the club but the way in which the saga has been handled is quickly becoming a joke.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.