Mainoo’s Frustrating Season: A Midfielder at a Crossroads

Mainoo’s campaign has been characterized by frustration. As of now, he has yet to start a Premier League match this season, having seemingly lost the favor of coach Amorim. His total involvement in the top flight stands at a mere 221 minutes, a stark contrast to the responsibilities he held just months ago.

Interest in the midfielder was genuine, with Italian club Napoli among those monitoring his situation during the summer transfer window. However, Mainoo chose to remain at United, believing he could demonstrate his worth to Amorim. Unfortunately, this opportunity has not materialized, as the coach continues to view him primarily as a backup option to Fernandes rather than a guaranteed starter.

With Fernandes currently sidelined due to injury and options dwindling, United cannot afford to allow any midfield exits in January, as reported by The Times. The gravity of the situation is further highlighted by Fernandes’ fitness record; since his arrival in 2020, he has missed only three league matches due to injury or illness, averaging more than 50 appearances per season. Mainoo is not exempt from misfortune either, having suffered a minor calf issue that kept him out of the recent defeat against Aston Villa and is expected to rule him out for up to ten days, likely excluding him from the Boxing Day match against Newcastle United.

Adding to the team’s challenges, Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Amorim without key players on the right side of his preferred tactics.

Behind the scenes, United is already planning a significant midfield overhaul for next summer. The club has been tracking several Premier League-based targets, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Alex Scott, as they evaluate life beyond their current midfield core. The futures of Fernandes, Casemiro, and Mainoo remain uncertain. Both Fernandes and Casemiro are among the team’s highest earners, and potential permanent departures of players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho could free up substantial financial resources. In the last seven years, United has signed only two specialist central midfielders, Casemiro and Ugarte, after missing out on Declan Rice prior to his move to Arsenal. Although new signings may not command top-tier wages, the transfer fees could be considerable as United seeks to modernize a midfield that has often lacked balance and depth.

Despite the current challenges, Amorim has emphasized that United will not rush into decisions during the winter transfer window. The recruitment strategy remains firmly focused on long-term restructuring rather than short-term solutions.

“The only thing we know is that we will only attempt to bring in players whom we believe will be part of our future,” Amorim stated. “This is not about salvaging the situation due to the losses of three players for AFCON. Our aim is to secure players that are ideal for our future by the end of the season. While I cannot predict with certainty what will happen, it’s possible we may make a move next month.”

Just 17 months after starting in a European Championship final for England, Mainoo now finds himself in a precarious position, caught between being crucial due to a lack of alternatives and uncertain about his place in the manager’s long-term vision.