Little has been discussed more by Manchester United fans than the future of Kobbie Mainoo.
Initial breakthrough
The youngster was part of the 2022 Youth Cup winning side and played his first Premier League game the following year.
Mainoo excelled in the 2023-2024 season and quickly became a fan favourite with some sensational goals and midfield performances.
Nonetheless, under Ruben Amorim he has found it very difficult to secure a starting place in his two man midfield.
Subsequently, there have been many rumours that Mainoo will seek a temporary or even permanent move from the club if he is not provided with significantly more game time.
Poll results
The Peoples Person has conducted a poll asking United fans what they feel should be done in Mainoo’s particular case.
32% of fans feel that Amorim is making a big mistake leaving the player out. They are perhaps aware he is not best suited to a two man midfield so they voted for the option to play a three man midfield to play to the youngster’s strengths.
Mainoo has excelled for United and England in the past in this role and supporters feel he could once more if Amorim gave up the controversial 3-4-3 system.
Throw him in first XI
23% of fans would happily see him start even in the current system.
Some supporters voted for the option that he should be starting in the pivot with captain Bruno Fernandes.
Ruben Amorim has already stated that he sees Mainoo and Fernandes competing for the same position so in spite of fans’ wishes, this doesn’t seem a likely scenario.
20% of fans feel that he should be starting but alongside either a more defensive midfielder such as Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro.
This might work as it could allow Mainoo the freedom to create from deep and progress the ball forward which is essential in the middle of the park.
11% support Amorim
Only 11% of fans feel that Amorim is right to bench the United youngster but even they perhaps feel that Mainoo should be given more opportunities to shine.
With only one start so far this season and no European football, many fans feel they have barely seen the academy product.
Loan
Only 8% feel that Mainoo should be loaned out to be given more opportunities.
Whilst it would hurt to see him play for another team, Mainoo will be thinking of the 2026 World Cup and his playing time will seriously need to change if he is to be considered for a place in the squad.
Most United fans would also accept he needs minutes under his belt to work on various aspects of his own game.
Finally, 6% of fans would sell the player as he is clearly not seen as a key member of the team for Amorim.
While it would be incredibly sad to see Mainoo leave, there is no question that he would bring in a substantial fee as he is very highly rated in the world of football.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
