- Former Manchester United coach raves about Kobbie Mainoo
- Mainoo’s growth throughout his career
- How the midfielder can improve
Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has heaped praise on midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, describing him as “terrific” while explaining how important Erik ten Hag was in his development.
After signing a new and improved contract on 30 April, Mainoo has committed the next five years of his career to the club. By the time that deal expires, he will be 26—and likely negotiated another extension.
Mainoo is a player United intend to build around. With Casemiro set to depart this summer, the club must recruit a world-class anchor—someone who executes the fundamentals and complements Mainoo’s strengths, rather than restricting them.
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“Erik’s Kind of Player” – McClaren on Mainoo Rise
McClaren first saw Mainoo in training at 17 and immediately recognised the level.
“He came out of nowhere and Erik suddenly went, ‘He’s training with us’,” McClaren told The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.
“That’s totally down to Erik. I remember him saying first day, ‘Watch him’. I couldn’t believe it, never gave the ball away. Strong as an ox. Then Erik played him. I went, ‘He’s terrific’. He was Erik’s kind of player, in terms of build-up from the back and being able to take the ball.”
Mainoo made his debut just over three years ago in a 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the League Cup. He became the eighth-youngest player to feature for United in the competition, and the youngest since Joshua King 14 years earlier.
Across those three years, Mainoo has developed rapidly—but not without turbulence, particularly over the past 17 months.
Breakout and development
Under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo accelerated quickly. Within a year of his debut, he had established himself as one of the most important players in the squad.
By May 2024, he had delivered a series of decisive moments: his first senior goal against Newport County in the FA Cup, a last-gasp winner in a 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a composed finish against rivals Liverpool to put United 2-1 up in what would eventually be a 2-2 draw.
His strike against Wolves earned the Premier League Goal of the Month award for February.
His defining moment came against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. With United already 1-0 up, a flowing move orchestrated by Bruno Fernandes ended with Mainoo guiding a precise finish beyond Ederson.
At that point, he looked untouchable. Few anticipated what would follow.
Ruben Amorim saga
Sacked in October 2024, Erik ten Hag’s two and a bit rein ove rthe Red Devils had come to an end.
A League Cup and an FA Cup will always be held in memory of the Dutch manager. Replacing him was the pragmatic Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP.
Quickly, Mainoo went from undroppable to peripheral. Across Amorim’s 14 months in charge, opportunities became scarce. The situation deteriorated to the point where Mainoo requested a loan move the following summer, though the club rejected it.
Shortly before his departure, Amorim said:
“If you play with a three, he can play like we did in the last game with the position of Mason Mount, he can play there. He is going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling, he just needs to wait for his chance and everything can change in football in two days.”
Events have since validated that view. Under interim head coach Michael Carrick, Mainoo has featured in every match bar his injury against Leeds United.
He has addressed the weaknesses Amorim highlighted—defensive positioning, physical intensity, and discipline—and now looks like a more complete midfielder.
After a brief period of rust, his recent displays against Chelsea and Brentford have underlined his potential, with the Englishman running the show in both games.
How Mainoo can improve
Mainoo already ranks among the most influential players in the squad, but his development remains ongoing.
McClaren sees him as a connector—the player who links phases and stabilises structure—but believes he can assert himself more.
“He is neat and tidy. But he is capable of imposing himself more. He wants to be top, top. Casemiro has helped him.”
With just 29 days to go until the England and World Cup squad is announced for North America, Mainoo has bulldozed his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans, and we will likely see a Manchetser United player feature for the Three Lions in the United States this summer.
Read: Kobbie Mainoo Explains Why he Signed New Deal with Manchester United
