Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen is deeply puzzled by the limited role Kobbie Mainoo has been given under the current manager. Despite being a standout performer for the club in recent seasons, the young England international has found himself largely on the bench.
Mainoo’s previous contributions were significant, featuring in 37 games across all competitions last season and 32 the year before. He even cemented his place in United folklore by starting and scoring in their FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City – a moment of pure brilliance for a rising star.
This season, however, has been a stark contrast. Mainoo has started only one of his 11 appearances, a Carabao Cup match against Grimsby, leaving many to question the manager’s strategy.
Meulensteen, who served under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, believes a January exit for Mainoo is increasingly likely. He understands the player’s desire for regular football, having reportedly attempted to join Scott McTominay at Napoli during the summer transfer window – a move the club ultimately blocked.
The former coach remembers Mainoo’s meteoric rise, how he fought his way into both the Manchester United starting eleven and the England national team with exceptional performances. He was a symbol of the academy’s success, a local talent flourishing on the biggest stage.
Meulensteen struggles to understand the current situation, expressing his frustration with the manager’s apparent reluctance to utilize Mainoo’s talents. He specifically questions why Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes can’t be deployed together in midfield, believing they could form a dynamic partnership.
The shift in midfield dynamics, brought about by summer signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, appears to have pushed Fernandes into a more defensive role. This tactical change, Meulensteen suggests, has inadvertently limited opportunities for Mainoo, who has previously excelled in a similar position.
Time is of the essence for the young player. With the 2026 World Cup looming, Mainoo needs consistent game time to maintain his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Waiting indefinitely for a chance that may never come isn’t a viable option.
Napoli remains a strong contender to secure Mainoo’s signature, potentially offering him the regular football he craves. Following in the footsteps of McTominay and experiencing Serie A could be the catalyst for the next chapter in his promising career.
The situation is a source of concern for fans and observers alike. The question now is whether the manager will reconsider his approach, or if Mainoo will be forced to seek opportunities elsewhere to fulfill his immense potential.
