Kobbie Mainoo Faces Game Time Concerns at Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game this season, featuring just 73 minutes. Coming on against Manchester City, he completed 17 passes with 100% accuracy, made two key passes, won all three duels, and impressed fans. Pundits Paul Merson and Gary Lineker have expressed concern, while Newcastle reportedly monitor him for a potential January move.

As the Premier League season progresses, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is facing a frustrating start, having not started a single league game so far. The 20-year-old England international was brought on in the 62nd minute during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, where he made an immediate impact. In his brief 28-minute appearance, Mainoo had 25 touches, completed 17 passes with 100 per cent accuracy, delivered two key passes, won all three duels, and executed one successful dribble.

Despite this strong showing, he remains on the fringes, having only played 73 minutes in total this season and remained an unused substitute against Arsenal and Fulham. Ex-Arsenal and Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson expressed concern over Mainoo’s lack of game time, noting that the player should be questioning why he is not starting regularly despite his evident talent. Similarly, Gary Lineker called Mainoo’s treatment “slightly baffling” given his abilities and local roots.

Last month, Mainoo sought a transfer away from Old Trafford, but United blocked the move. Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Eddie Howe potentially making a move in January. With calls from fans growing for Mainoo to start against Chelsea, the young midfielder’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain.