Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence was highlighted with another big performance in Manchester United’s win over Tottenham.
There are many factors behind Manchester United’s return to form, and one of the most notables ones is Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Mainoo did not start a single Premier League game this season under Ruben Amorim, and since his recall, United have won four all four matches.
Impressively, Mainoo has provided two assists in the last four games, showing his ability to impact games in key areas.
Mainoo was praised for producing a ‘masterclass’ with his short passing in the 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Is Ruben Amorim not playing Kobbie Mainoo the worst decision you can remember from a recent Man Utd manager?
Seedorf/Mainoo
Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo leads the league, one year after strange experiment
Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive performance for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur saw him lead the Premier League in a key area.
Mainoo completed 33 passes in the final third, from 35 attempts. Squawka report that this was the highest of any Premier League player at the weekend.
More United News
Interestingly this came 12 months after Ruben Amorim’s strangest experiment of all.
In early February 2025, Mainoo was selected to play as a striker for Manchester United against Crystal Palace.
Amorim’s selection was a sign of his exasperation with Rasmus Hojlund, who dropped to the bench with Mainoo picked as a ‘false nine’.
It was a disaster, with United losing the game 2-0 at home, and Mainoo looked lost in an unfamiliar role.
Speaking ahead of the game, Amorim explained that Mainoo’s final third passing was behind his decision.
“I like him [Mainoo] with the ball. Sometimes you have more space in the build-up phase.
“I think he’s a good player because he can hold the ball. He is very good one against one and he is creative. We need creativity in the last third.”
It demonstrated that while Amorim in this case correctly identified one of Mainoo’s strengths, he had no idea how to use him properly.
In the end he just gave up, choosing to barely select him at all.
Prove us wrong… Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are the best midfield trio in the Premier League
There is not another trio we would swap them for!
Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo’s natural talent
Kobbie Mainoo has helped knit Manchester United’s midfield together in recent weeks, establishing a strong partnership with Casemiro.
He is working hard off the ball and showing confidence in possession.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand Presents, former Premier League footballer Ashley Williams backed Mainoo’s ability to do the talking.
“That kid finds a solution more often than not in possession. He’s a good player… he will figure it out.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox