Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to return to training at Manchester United and his absence is giving others a golden opportunity to get ahead.
When Thomas Tuchel called up Kobbie Mainoo for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, it was cause for celebration at Manchester United.
Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a wonderful resurgence in the second half of the season after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, and his call-up was a just reward for his hard work.
But Tuchel overlooked Mainoo and didn’t play him for a single minute in the summer tournament. Mainoo even missed the third-place play-off against France, and now his United return can’t come soon enough.
Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split
Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split
England v Argentina: Semi Final - FIFA World Cup 2026
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo will have to fight to regain Man United spot
Mainoo is expected to join pre-season training at the end of this week, around August 8, ready in time for the trip to Ireland.
During his break, United have put on some very impressive performances, including a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid last time out.
Mason Mount and Andrey Santos have been superb in a midfield double pivot, and Michael Carrick has been extremely pleased with the duo.
With just three weeks to go until United’s 2026/27 season kicks off away to Hull City, Mainoo may find himself fighting an uphill battle to get back into the starting XI.
Manchester United v AFC Wrexham - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Youri Tielemans adds to Kobbie Mainoo competition
Not only will Mainoo have to compete with Mount and Santos, but new £35m signing Youri Tielemans has also now joined up with the squad.
Carrick now has a big selection headache ahead of the start of the season, and Mainoo’s World Cup frustrations could spill over into his club football.
READ MORE: The 15 Man Utd first-team stars who have not played in pre-season so far ahead of Atletico Madrid match
United are also in the market for a third midfielder with Ineos holding out for a marquee signing like Aurelien Tchouameni. His arrival would complicate matters further for Mainoo.
The good news for the Carrington graduate, though, is that United have plenty of matches in 2026/27, and he played every single match under Carrick last season.