Kobbie Mainoo’s road to recovery at Manchester United has been long and difficult, but the England midfielder has a major light at the end of the tunnel now.
The 20-year-old Manchester United midfielder’s recovery is not even down to injury, although Kobbie Mainoo has spent time on the sidelines in the 2025-26 season.
This chapter in Mainoo’s developing Man Utd career revolves around his resurgence at Old Trafford after a turbulent period under ex-Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.
Is Ruben Amorim not playing Kobbie Mainoo the worst decision you can remember from a recent Man Utd manager?
Seedorf/Mainoo
Getty Images
United fans were fearful of the idea that Mainoo, who was once linked with Napoli, would leave the Red Devils after the midfielder sought a move away last summer.
However, the Red Devils remained firm on their position and turned down Mainoo’s desire to seek football elsewhere as part of a loan deal in the 2025-26 campaign.
Fortunately for Mainoo, a series of different events, especially Ruben Amorim’s sacking as Man Utd manager, have paid dividends for him this season.
READ MORE: What Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro did in 2-0 win against Tottenham has all Man Utd fans in total agreement now
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
More United News
Ally McCoist correctly points out that Man Utd and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has solved one burning question now
Michael Carrick’s arrival in January after Ruben Amorim was axed as Man Utd head coach has been the biggest blessing that Kobbie Mainoo could have hoped for.
Since the 44-year-old United legend’s return to Old Trafford, Mainoo has started all four of the Red Devils’ Premier League matches in the post-Amorim era of the club.
In fact, Mainoo has also seen out the full 90 minutes in each of the aforementioned Premier League matches as well, including picking up two key assists as well.
Should Kobbie Mainoo be in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup?
After recent form, will Thomas Tuchel be convinced?
Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The Red Devils talent’s latest assist came during Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half opener at Old Trafford in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham on Saturday.
During United’s encounter with Tottenham, Ally McCoist dropped his two cents on whether Mainoo was now in the picture for a place in the England squad again.
“The obvious answer is yes,” he said, as per TNT Sports.
“Whether he makes it or not, I’m not sure. All he can do is what he’s doing.”
READ MORE: Man Utd fans all saying same thing about Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha after performances vs Tottenham
Man Utd ace Kobbie Mainoo has kicked the door wide open for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup
United midfielder Mainoo has not represented England since 2024 after an injury-hit 2024-25 Premier League season saw him fall out of the Three Lions squad.
The United youth academy product seemed increasingly unlikely to climb back into the Three Lions squad under Thomas Tuchel after Amorim’s handling of Mainoo this season.
Should Kobbie Mainoo be an automatic starter under Michael Carrick now?
Kobbie Mainoo only needed 90 minutes to prove Ruben Amorim wrong!
Stats graphic
Stats: SkySports, picture: Getty
However, the Man Utd powder keg was lit with Amorim’s departure and the resulting explosion has sparked new life into Mainoo under interim manager Michael Carrick.
A March international break is around the corner and England manager Thomas Tuchel cannot overlook a late call-up for Mainoo to the Three Lions squad now.
From undesirable No 1 under Amorim to undroppable under Carrick is quite the turnaround for Mainoo in only a matter of weeks at the Premier League club.
But the biggest – and most important challenge – for Mainoo is if he can maintain his resurgence long enough to secure a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox