Kobbie Mainoo broke through early at Manchester United and even earned a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad under Gareth Southgate, but under Ruben Amorim, the midfielder has struggled for minutes. It’s a situation that worries former United star Paul Parker, who believes Mainoo must be furious with Amorim, arguing the manager has effectively taken away his chance of making his World Cup debut next year.
Despite being linked with a summer move away, Mainoo chose to stay and fight for his place. Yet his game time has barely improved.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the lack of minutes is undoubtedly frustrating for the young midfielder, who had hoped to secure a spot in England’s squad.
Even so, Parker expects Mainoo to remain at Old Trafford. He insists United simply cannot afford to let one of their own academy stars leave, not after previous missteps, as it would be a damaging story for the club.
The fans love Kobbie Mainoo
Parker says Amorim would help himself by playing Mainoo more, because the fans clearly adore him. He stresses that Man United must not ignore the importance of local players who represent what the supporters care about as he said:
“The fans really love Kobbie Mainoo. Whenever he comes on, there is always a big cheer from the fans, and that is a really good sign. In fact, that is a sign that you should listen to as a manager, and maybe Amorim shouldn’t be that stubborn. I don’t know if there is a personal issue between them, but he needs to play him more often, especially as a starter.”
“We shouldn’t underestimate the fans and their importance. They have an understanding of what is important for Manchester United, and one of the things that is important is local boys, and that is just what Mainoo is. Mainoo is just like them; he knows the feelings they are going through, and he wants to do everything in his power to give them something to celebrate. They see him as one of their own.”
And despite Mainoo’s talent, Parker worries about his future because he hasn’t been given the minutes he needs.
“He is a massive talent. Does he always make a difference? Maybe not, but he hasn’t been given the time and you are only as good as the people you are surrounded by.. I definitely worry about his future.”
Mainoo must be furious at Amorim
Parker still believes that Mainoo will stay at Man United this season as the club can’t afford to let him go, but he questions the relationship between him and the manager. The former defender claims that Amorim is taking away Mainoo’s World Cup dream.
Speaking to MBS, Parker said: “I don’t think he is leaving because I don’t think the club can afford to let him go, but if he never gets minutes, he has to leave for his own sake. He must be feeling horrible at the moment, because he knows the manager has taken away his opportunity to go to the World Cup. He must be furious at Amorim. He has to be. There is no chance of him going, and his name won’t even be mentioned.”
He compares Mainoo’s situation to McTominay’s. The Scotsman left the club and has been performing brilliantly for Napoli – something that has made the fans question whether it was the right move to let McTominay leave.
“It would be a very bad story for the club if he were to leave. Just look at McTominay. I don’t think he would have made a massive difference at Man United at this moment in time, but you can’t have another one of those stories coming out. It would be terrible if Mainoo leaves and all of a sudden does very well, because then everyone will question Amorim and the club.”
“He is a player and a person I hope the best for. He is a wonderful young lad and his talent is immense. He is one of the best products that have come out of Man United for many years, so they have to find a way for him to get into the team and perform.”
