Despite being tipped as one of England‘s brightest talents, Mainoo has seen his development stall alarmingly over the past year. Just 12 months ago, he was walking out onto the biggest stage of all, starting for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin against Spain. But now, he finds himself barely featuring for club or country. Tuchel has made it brutally clear that regular club minutes are non-negotiable if Mainoo is to have any chance of making his squad for the World Cup in North America next summer.
At United, the situation is just as bleak. Mainoo has managed only four appearances in all competitions this season, with just one start to his name, a miserable Carabao Cup humiliation at the hands of minnows Grimsby. For a player once hailed as the heartbeat of United’s future midfield, the lack of trust from Amorim is cutting deep.
Mainoo already pushed for a loan move in the summer transferwindow, desperate for game time. But United’s hierarchy refused his request, insisting he would be given opportunities at Old Trafford. That promise has proven hollow.
Behind the scenes, Mainoo has worked tirelessly in training to claw his way back into contention. Yet despite United’s stuttering start to the campaign, Amorim has rarely looked his way. Private talks last week saw the Portuguese boss reassure Mainoo that he remains part of the long-term vision, but also challenge him to do more to earn his spot. The message, however, hasn’t convinced the player. Unless his situation changes rapidly, Mainoo is now prepared to force the issue and demand a loan switch in January, as revealed by The Daily Star.
For Mainoo, the stakes could not be higher. A World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada looms next summer, and he is determined not to let the opportunity pass him by. The midfielder knows full well that staying shackled to United’s bench will kill his chances of boarding that plane with Tuchel’s squad. The manager’s stance has been firm: no regular football, no England call-up. It is a brutal reality check that Mainoo cannot afford to ignore.
