Kobbie Mainoo received the ball from Bruno Fernandes and set off midway inside the opposition half at Old Trafford. Less than two minutes into Manchester United’s win over Brentford on Monday night, Mainoo produced a moment of brilliance. He shrugged off Mikkel Damsgaard, kept his balance as the Dane fell, turned Nathan Collins inside out with a body swerve, and delivered an exquisite flick with the inside of his right heel to evade Yehor Yarmoliuk before squaring to Amad Diallo. Only a faint touch by Sepp van den Berg denied Mainoo one of the assists of the season.
The young United star has impressed since coming in from the cold under Michael Carrick. This was a reminder of the magic in Mainoo’s feet, reminiscent of his unforgettable goals against Lyon, Wolves, and Liverpool after breaking through at United. He is a shining jewel of United’s academy and potentially one of the greatest English midfielders of his generation.
Amorim's Decision Questioned
What was Ruben Amorim thinking when he cast Mainoo out and pitched him in direct competition with captain Bruno Fernandes? Mainoo has impressed since being brought back into the fold by Carrick. The news of his new long-term contract brings celebration and relief around Old Trafford, ending a two-year saga that could have ended differently.
Now the 21-year-old can be the heartbeat of this United team for years to come. But that came under serious threat from Amorim as Mainoo lost his place and his way, twice asking to leave on loan and considering a permanent exit. He would have joined former team-mates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund at Napoli, who were waiting for any sign of encouragement.
Near Miss for United
Letting Mainoo leave would have been a massive own-goal. An act of unforgiveable negligence by a club that had already shown the door to Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho after they fell out with Amorim. The image of Mainoo, Hojlund, and Garnacho celebrating on the perimeter fence at Old Trafford in February 2024 captured United’s future, as did their dance on the Wembley turf after the FA Cup final win over Manchester City. It would have been a criminal waste to see all three leave within a year.
Mainoo’s new contract, until 2031 worth around £150,000-a-week, ensures he stays. With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow, Mainoo will be central to the midfield rebuild. He has been excellent under Carrick, playing 12 of 13 games since the appointment. When injured in the defeat to Leeds, United missed him badly. He returned with a stellar performance at Chelsea and was excellent against Brentford as United moved to the brink of Champions League qualification.
England will benefit too, with Thomas Tuchel able to select a player back in favour. Recalling Mainoo just in time for the World Cup would have been a shame if Amorim’s lack of judgement had cost him that. A regular at Euro 2024, Mainoo is set for two major championships by age 21. The best is yet to come, and United can thank their lucky stars it will be at Old Trafford.
