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Mainoo’s World Cup Hopes Put United Future In Doubt

Kobbie Mainoo is considering a loan move away from Manchester United in January as he looks for the regular football needed to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad. At just 20, the midfielder faces a critical decision about his development, knowing that time is not on his side if he wants to break into Thomas Tuchel’s national team plans.

Mainoo has not featured for England since Tuchel’s appointment, a sign that his chances are slim without a run of consistent games. The youngster has found opportunities scarce at Old Trafford this season, with Ruben Amorim making it clear that he views Mainoo as a direct competitor to captain Bruno Fernandes. It is a battle that the Carrington graduate has so far struggled to win, and it has left him frustrated with his role on the fringes.

Despite remaining highly rated within the club, his playing time tells its own story. Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this campaign and was left unused in United’s opening two fixtures. He earned some minutes as a substitute, stepping in for the injured Mason Mount against Burnley,...