Manchester United’s Cobby Mineau is pulling out all the stops to regain his starting position this season with a clear indication of his long-term future at Old Trafford. Mainoo is understood to be in Carrington’s hard yards and is doing everything he can to impress Ruben Amorim, who encouraged the younger midfielder to step up the game. To improve his performance, Mainoo even believes he switched his personal chef to the house.
England International also got the help of a private coach during the international break in September. Mainoo is keen to regain his normal starting spot for United after dropping his ranks. The 20-year-old wanted to secure a loan move from United in the final week of his summer transfer period, but his demands were deaf. According to the men, Mainoo did not want to leave the club in his childhood forever, so he simply sought loans to ensure regular playing times in key seasons.
Despite the rejection of the loan request, the youngsters are determined to respond aggressively and compete with a way to return to United’s starting lineup, aiming to represent England at the 2026 World Cup. Mainoo was part of the starting team with Spain in the Euro 2024 Finals, but was recently removed from the England squad due to international equipment in September.
Thomas Tuschel made it clear that Mainoo needs more play time to be considered in his plans. The prospect of representing England next summer is a key driving force behind Mainoo.
Amorim challenged Mainoo to fight for his place and shared his detailed thoughts on the player at a press conference before the Manchester Derby earlier this month.
“No, like many people, he wants to play more,” Amorim said when asked about the change in Mineu’s attitude. “I wasn’t talking to him before the windows closed, I did it this week.
“I don’t want to think that Cobbie Mineu is having a conversation just to have a conversation with him, so I don’t just hold onto him. I don’t want that feeling. I believe a lot in Cobbie, but I think Cobbie Mineu is already over (completed article). I think he can do better.
“I think it’s enough for some people (their talent), but not enough for him. Maybe that’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo.
“If someone feels like the best player to play in the week, he’s going to play. And I’ve already proven to all the players here. So I believe in him a lot… I have the same thing you have: he’s the top, the top player, but he can get really good, so I’m focused on that.”
Mainoo has not yet started any Premier League matches this season. Amorim added:
“Then today you know that Vitanya (maybe) is the best midfielder in the world. So you never know. Something can happen.
“Sometimes I watched Kobbie Mainoo and sometimes I feel like he liked him. I watched a lot of Premier League games when I was in Portugal.
“He was the only guy who calmed down the game. Now there are other players who can calm the game down. We’ll play another game.
“And I know he can give it, so sometimes, like you said, maybe if I start Cobbie Mine more, he’s going to play and he’s going to be harder to take away.
“I know he started the European Championship final with one team with many talented players. (Phil) Foden played in that game. (Cole) Palmer was on the bench.
