Koby Mainu has endured a sharp downturn at Manchester United since Reuben Amorim took over as head coach, resulting in him being regularly talked about over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Koby Mainu remains determined to make a successful career at Manchester United despite a very difficult 13 months that saw him fall down the Old Trafford pecking order under manager Ruben Amorim.
The academy star burst onto the scene under coach Erik ten Hag and played for England in the Euro finals less than a year after making his debut. However, since the Dutchman’s sacking, Amorim has preferred other options and his stock has fallen significantly. Mainu only started 16 of Amorim’s 61 games with United, his last start coming in August’s humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby in League Two. This did little to encourage his further appearances.
The Sun reported that the working relationship between Mainu’s camp and Amorim had been strained even before the midfielder’s half-brother wore a ‘Free Coby Mainu’ T-shirt at Old Trafford during last month’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, which also would not have gone down well with the manager.
Despite the circumstances, and despite his links with other clubs, those close to the 20-year-old United star insist he is determined to revive his Old Trafford career and fulfill his potential at the club he has been at since childhood.
read more: Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim makes surprise transfer decision as young player makes U-turnread more: Manchester United focus on eight finalists, Sir Alex Ferguson warns of January transfer
United blocked Mainu’s request to leave on loan in the summer, and despite talks re-emerging in the lead-up to January, Amorim has once again made it clear the midfielder has no intention of leaving Old Trafford, even temporarily. Despite his lack of playing time, the Portuguese head coach insisted he was the club’s future.
Mainoo’s contract expires in 2027, but United have an option for a further year. In other words, there is zero chance that the player’s camp will attempt to force him out and use it to their advantage. That said, Mainu turned down United’s first offer of a new contract in early 2025.
The England international was just 17 when he signed his last contract in February 2023. Since then, Mainu has made huge strides, playing and scoring in the FA Cup final and playing a key role for England at the Euros.
His lack of playing time is working against him now. His hopes of playing in a second major tournament with the Three Lions are in jeopardy as manager Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to select him for this summer’s World Cup.
Mainu was one of eight players absent from United’s emphatic 1-1 draw with Wolves, who scored their third goal of the season at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
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