Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has advised Kobbie Mainoo that playing time should be the primary consideration when weighing up his future at the club. Mainoo has re-established himself in the starting line-up under manager Michael Carrick and appears poised to sign a lucrative new contract.
Pogba's Advice to Mainoo
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Pogba shared his thoughts on the 21-year-old's situation. He said: "It's difficult. It's really difficult. It's the way how he feels. If he feels that, if he's good with the manager, if the manager really trusts him, because he's going to have all the clubs behind him, this is for sure."
Pogba, who himself left United in 2012 seeking first-team football before returning in 2016, emphasised that Mainoo should prioritise regular game time. "But I don't know about his contract, because if he will be a free agent, it will be a different story, I think. But, you know, a kid like this, you know, that thinks that he can play and other people think that he can play, his managers pushing him, telling him, you can play in this team, why you don't play. That also put this in this kid and he's like, yeah, I should leave."
Mainoo's Current Situation
Mainoo had found opportunities limited under former boss Ruben Amorim, casting uncertainty over his United future. He reportedly requested a loan move in the summer to get more regular football, but United rejected the request. With just 12 months left on his contract when the summer window arrives, Mainoo is now expected to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.
Pogba added: "Maybe it's not the right decision. And it's really hard for me to say he should leave when he's so loved by the people at United. He's such a great player, a big potential and he can do a great career at Manchester United also."
Pogba's Own Journey
Since leaving United for the second time in 2022, Pogba's career has been challenging. He served a doping ban and then joined Monaco last summer, but has only made four Ligue 1 appearances this season. Despite his own experiences, he wishes Mainoo the best: "I just wish him the best. I don't know, whatever decision he's going to take. I just want to see this kid play because it's enjoyable to see him play."
