Had Rúben Amorim remained at the helm of Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo would likely be in serious negotiations with other clubs by now, if not already departed from Old Trafford. The landscape, however, has shifted dramatically. Instead of contemplating an exit, the young midfielder has re-emerged as a shining figure for United under Michael Carrick, embodying not merely the club’s present but one of its foundational pillars for the future. With each passing match, Amorim’s earlier decision to marginalize him appears increasingly misguided.
The spotlight now turns to Thomas Tuchel. The German manager faces the imperative of avoiding an identical pitfall, ensuring he does not replicate the error that nearly sidelined one of England’s most promising talents of his generation.
A Meteoric Rise and an Untimely Stall
Mainoo’s ascent to the senior England squad in March 2024 was nothing short of remarkable, bypassing the Under-21s entirely due to his compelling performances for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. His impact with the Three Lions was immediate and profound. Seizing his initial opportunity under Gareth Southgate, he cemented a starting role, featuring in every knockout stage match during UEFA Euro 2024 all the way to the final.
Paradoxically, following that tournament, his international involvement dwindled to a single substitute appearance against Ireland in the UEFA Nations League. A subsequent injury disrupted his momentum, ruling him out of contention during Lee Carsley‘s interim tenure and coinciding with his recovery from a knee ligament issue when Tuchel named his first squad in March 2025. By the time Mainoo regained full fitness, he found himself peripheral to Amorim‘s project at club level, rendering his continued international absence a logical consequence during subsequent breaks.
That justification, however, has now evaporated. Having transformed into a central figure in Manchester United’s resurgence under Carrick, Mainoo’s current form presents a compelling case that Thomas Tuchel can no longer afford to overlook. The player’s revival at club level demands a corresponding reassessment on the international stage.