During the tenure of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo was unhappy with his game time.
Even his half-brother wore a T-shirt to Old Trafford which had ‘FREE KOBBIE MAINOO’ written over it. So, Mainoo was destined to leave Old Trafford.
However, as a born Manchester United fan, Mainoo never wanted to leave the club permanently. The United academy graduate wanted to leave on loan.
The reason was that he wanted to have game time so that he could get a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Now, with Amorim gone, it looks like the Red Devils have hit the reset button. They started the era of Michael Carrick with flying colours.
The win against Manchester City in the Derby was the push this club needed. Carrick’s United decimated Pep Guardiola’s City at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo was excellent in that game, as he started alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the midfield. Now, that game has brought the positive vibes back into the club.
That is why, according to Fabrizio Romano, Kobbie Mainoo will stay at Manchester United because of the trust Michael Carrick is showing towards the player.
Napoli were looking to sign the player on loan, along with other European clubs. However, the recent developments have prompted the England international to stay at the club.
Now, United will open contract talks with Mainoo, as his current contract will expire in 2027.
🚨🏴 Kobbie Mainoo now expected to stay at Manchester United after instant trust by Michael Carrick.
Mainoo was considering loan move to play on regular basis and develop, never a permanent exit from #MUFC.
His contract situation will remain key topic in the next months. pic.twitter.com/5tbKJBu7gd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2026
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