Kobbie Mainoo has struggled to replicate his impact and form of the last two seasons, and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes once predicted that the young star may eventually struggle
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes once predicted that Kobbie Mainoo would struggle to maintain his strong form at the club, as sad footage of the young midfielder looking dejected emerges. Mainoo, 20, was viewed as the future of the Red Devils due to his performances over the last two seasons.
Mainoo racked up an impressive collection of wonder goals and earned his England debut just over a year ago. He also claimed the man of the match performance in United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024 after scoring the winner.
Yet he's gone from having the world at his feet to now experiencing real uncertainty surrounding his United future. Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has started just 15 out of 44 games, and he was left on the bench for the second successive match this season as United drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday.
A social media video of Mainoo at the full-time whistle has gone viral, as it showed the youngster looking despondent, with rumours of his potential departure continuing to grow ahead of Monday's deadline.
Speaking back in April 2024, United skipper Fernandes had the foresight to see that Mainoo would not always have it his own way, as opponents began to figure out his game following his stunning breakthrough campaign.
"It might not come this season, but it may come next season that it gets a little bit tougher for Kobbie because people know your game," Fernandes said. "They know how to stop you and they’ve got different plans for you and ultimately different ways to go about nullifying your effect on the game."
Speaking about the impact Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – who is set to be on his way out of United with a switch to Chelsea still on the cards – had made upon their arrival in the first team, Fernandes was effusive in his praise, however.
"They've been playing most and they've been doing well," Fernandes said. "They've been doing great things. I think they've been really good; they've been improving themselves. It's just the first steps. They need to keep going."
Yet the midfielder's troubling prophecy looks to have materialised into an unfortunate reality for Mainoo.
Amorim opted for a midfield pairing of Casemiro and Fernandes to start the game against Fulham, with Mason Mount dropping back when the former was taken off for forward Benjamin Sesko. Manuel Ugarte was later brought on for Mount.
Footage after the game showed Mainoo aimlessly strolling around and crouching down, before briefly applauding United's travelling fans. He ultimately cut a figure of a player who's future seems destined to lie elsewhere.
Reports state that Mainoo would consider leaving United in the final week of the summer transfer window if a suitable offer was tabled. Chelsea were also reportedly interested in the young star back in January.
Discussions over a new contract are at an impasse too, with Amorim claiming there had been "no news" regarding a new deal for Mainoo ahead of the Fulham game.
In a twist of fate, Amorim revealed post-match that the 20-year-old is actually in competition with the man who had sounded the warning to Mainoo for a place in the starting line-up.
"Mainoo is fighting for his position with Bruno," Amorim said. "I changed two midfielders. I left Mason Mount there because we wanted to score a goal and when I changed, I felt the team needed one holding midfielder.
"So he needs to fight for his position with Bruno. At the moment, he is fighting in training with Bruno for the position."