Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo’s impending return to Man Utd will add a lot of quality, but the player faces a challenge as well.
While Kobbie Mainoo was at the World Cup getting ignored by Thomas Tuchel, Man Utd retooled their midfield somewhat.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived, and it might even be likely that the rebuild stops with those two this summer.
Either way, a tough challenge awaits at Old Trafford despite him being in Michael Carrick’s good graces, because one spot is already taken.
Mason Mount of Manchester United thanks supporters after the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid at Strawberry Arena on August 1, 2026 in Solna, Sweden.
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Kobbie Mainoo has a fight for his place in Man Utd XI
Last year, Mainoo’s season was effectively divided into two groups – pre- and post-Ruben Amorim.
He could never get into the team under Amorim, and he was never out of the team under Carrick if he was fit and firing.
This year, despite just two midfield signings, Mainoo’s future has developed in a way that he faces a fight to get into the first XI.
That is because Andrey Santos looks to have sealed his spot in the XI due to his defensive discipline, leaving three players to fight for the spot next to him.
As it stands, Mason Mount’s unstoppable form makes him the favourite, while Tielemans’ pedigree means he can’t be ruled out either.
Such is Carrick’s trust in Mainoo that the position next to Santos might still be his to lose, but the change is that he can lose it now.
Last year, Mainoo knew he wasn’t getting into the team under Amorim, or wasn’t getting dropped by Carrick, regardless of his form.
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After two new arrivals and Mount’s surprise success in a deeper role, Mainoo has players breathing down his neck for a place in the XI.
It’s part of the challenge of thriving at Man Utd, but it’s also something Mainoo has never had in his career so far, having largely operated on two extreme sides of this spectrum.
True competition has arrived this season. Does he shrink or live up to the scrutiny? That will show Mainoo’s mettle.