Kobbie Mainoo exited the Manchester United coach via the rear exit at Stevenage Road, headphones on and clutching two iPhones and a washbag. Fans shouted his name, but he disappeared as quickly as he placed the ball past Stefan Ortega in the 2024 FA Cup final. At Fulham, he lingered after full-time for a warm-down, but his only ball work was in the warm-up. Without the ball, the 20-year-old appeared glum, almost disillusioned.
Including pre-season, Mainoo has started in two of United's seven matches. A first competitive start is inevitable at Grimsby Town on Wednesday, followed by a return to the bench against Burnley on Saturday. Then comes a soul-searching fortnight. Jordan Henderson's recall shows Thomas Tuchel is not averse to shock England call-ups, but a Mainoo recall is unforeseeable.
The next week is a test of nerve for Mainoo and his agent, David Lockwood. Some agencies have bristled at Lockwood's acquisition of United academy clients, apparently on the strength of Mainoo's development. Mainoo is no longer untouchable; there is acceptance at hierarchical level that the one-club man is over in this era of profitability and sustainability rules. Discussions over a new contract are at an impasse.
Ruben Amorim spoke effusively about Mainoo less than four weeks ago, saying: 'With those feet, playing the ball, if he finds the right pace... He's going to be faster.' Amorim revealed he is 'on top' of Mainoo about his rhythm and pace. There are parallels with Arne Slot upgrading Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool last season. Gravenberch became Liverpool's linchpin, starting all but one Premier League match as they regained the title.
Slot pinpointed Gravenberch's adaptation: 'What impressed me most... how much he can run and then still how good he is when he arrives in the duel.' Mainoo could be mistaken for a Barcelona tyro, but the intensity of the Premier League is unforgiving. He has been guilty of lax reactions off the ball; for Liverpool's opening goal last season, Mainoo was jogging while Gravenberch was sprinting. Amorim has noticed that 'even Casemiro' is operating at a higher pace off the ball.
