Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has advised young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to remain patient at Old Trafford, echoing recent comments from fellow club icon Roy Keane. The 20-year-old's future has become a topic of intense speculation as the January transfer window approaches.
Mainoo's Frustration at Old Trafford
The central issue is Kobbie Mainoo's lack of playing time under manager Ruben Amorim this season. The talented academy graduate has yet to start a Premier League match in the 2025/26 campaign. His situation was thrust into the spotlight when his brother wore a t-shirt with the message 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' during United's match against Bournemouth.
Mainoo's desire for regular football is understood to be driven by his ambition to secure a place in the England squad for next summer's World Cup in the United States. Despite this, the club was reluctant to sanction a loan move in the summer and remains hesitant about a January departure.
Giggs Warns Against Hasty January Move
In an interview with BetSelect, Ryan Giggs expressed sympathy for Mainoo's World Cup dream but cautioned that a mid-season switch may not be the answer. "Every player wants to play in the World Cup and be on the pitch for their club," Giggs said. "But if he goes on loan somewhere, he's only got three or four months to really hit the ground running."
Giggs highlighted the potential pitfalls of a January loan, questioning whether a new club would provide the right environment. "Is it a club that's getting beaten every week, and it's not doing him any favours? Or is it somewhere he's going to be in and out of the team?" he pondered.
Instead, the former winger believes Mainoo should focus on seizing his opportunities at United. "I thought he did well the other night when he came on against Bournemouth," Giggs noted. "He just needs to take his chance, and anything can happen. If he suddenly takes these opportunities and he's playing regularly until the end of the season for Man United, that will give him more chance [with England] than going anywhere else."
Roy Keane's Blunt Advice and Family Criticism
Roy Keane has delivered a similarly forthright assessment, urging the young midfielder to bide his time. "Are you telling me that he can't sit there for another six months?" Keane asked. "He's 20 years of age, what's wrong with sitting and learning your trade? And even if he's not getting a chance, we've all had to do it."
Keane emphasised a professional mindset, stating that every day in training is a chance to prove oneself to the manager. He also launched a stern critique of the public display by Mainoo's brother, dismissing the stunt. "And when he's got his idiot of a brother doing all that... we shouldn't even be giving that kind of stuff the time of day," Keane said. "Sometimes you're just surrounded by idiots, especially the families."
The consensus from two of United's most decorated former players is clear: patience and perseverance at Manchester United represent Kobbie Mainoo's best pathway to achieving his international ambitions, despite the current frustration over his limited role.
