John O’Shea believes Manchester United would be making a mistake by letting Kobbie Mainoo leave the club.
After being overlooked in the first two games of the season, Kobbie Mainoo returned to the Manchester United line-up to face Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.
That was Mainoo’s first appearance of the season, and he will fear a return to the bench when United take on Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
However, Mainoo was one of United’s best performers against Grimsby, despite losing the game on penalties. The England international started in midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte before playing the entire match and scoring his penalty in the shootout.
Mainoo has dominated the headlines this week, with plenty written about his future. This will only continue if the midfielder is overlooked when United host Burnley this weekend.
Republic of Ireland Training Session and Press Conference
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John O’Shea warns Man Utd about Kobbie Mainoo
United fans take great pride in the club’s record at producing players from the academy. Mainoo is one of the latest prime examples, after helping United win the FA Cup 2023 by scoring against Man City in the final.
John O’Shea knows what it takes to graduate from United’s academy, having made his debut under Sir Alex Ferguson on 13 October 1999 against Aston Villa at Villa Park in a 3-0 League Cup defeat.
The former Republic of Ireland international enjoyed lots of success at Old Trafford. He won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and the Club World Cup.
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O’Shea appeared on talkSPORT Breakfast this week before stressing that United would be making a mistake if they let Mainoo go this summer.
“He’s a quality player, United cannot afford to be losing him or selling him for any reason whatsoever.
“He’s definitely part of the future of the club and he’s going to be successful without a doubt.”
The latest reports suggest United turned down Mainoo’s request to leave the club on loan.
Amorim recently suggested that Mainoo is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the team. That means the United head coach does not see the England international as an alternative to Casemiro and Ugarte, despite previously playing in deeper midfield roles under former manager Erik ten Hag, who gave Mainoo his first-team debut.
O’Shea was baffled by Amorim’s comments after the head coach pitted Mainoo up against Fernandes.
“I found it slightly strange that the manager mentioned that he’s just in competition with Bruno,” O’Shea added.
“I just found that a little bit strange. I know he’s probably putting a bit of a challenge to him, saying: ‘Listen, that’s who you’re up against’.
“Bruno has obviously been a top performer for the last few season, so it’s a little bit strange, but hopefully it’s just a bit of a wake-up call for Mainoo to do something a bit different.
“Can he rise to the challenge? Is it a little psychological thing [set by Amorim] for him?”