Berbatov’s Insights on Mainoo’s Struggles at Manchester United

In a recent interview with Daily Mail Sport, Dimitar Berbatov shared his thoughts on Kobbie Mainoo’s current situation at Manchester United. The Bulgarian striker, who was a fan favorite at Old Trafford during his four-year tenure, recognized Mainoo’s skillset and likened it to his own playing style, characterized by confidence and elegance.

Berbatov expressed sympathy for Mainoo, who experienced a meteoric rise to prominence just 15 months ago. The young midfielder transitioned from an emerging talent to a regular starter for Manchester United, ultimately earning a position in Gareth Southgate’s England squad that reached the finals of the European Championship during the 2023-24 season. However, under manager Ruben Amorim, Mainoo’s lack of consistent selection has presented a significant hurdle in his career progression, one that has proven particularly challenging for the 20-year-old.

Berbatov remarked, “It’s a very tough situation, especially for a young player. It shows you how football can be a really cruel game at times because Kobbie Mainoo was playing, he reached the England national team, he was going up, up, and up. All of a sudden, he is not being picked.”

He continued, “Now the question is, does he stay positive, patient, and wait for his moment again? Or does he need to move to a different place to play regularly and regain his confidence before returning to United? I would like to see him play more often because his talent is clear—his decision-making, calmness, and confidence on the ball are evident even at his young age. But currently, the manager does not seem to see him as a viable option from the outset of matches.”

Mainoo’s decline in playing time under Amorim has been stark; during the 2023-24 season, he made 21 consecutive starts in Erik ten Hag’s midfield and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. A calf injury in February disrupted his momentum, yet he still managed to start 19 league matches last season, many under Amorim after Ten Hag’s departure.

This season, however, Mainoo has started only one match—the disappointing League Cup penalty defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town. He has played just 138 minutes in the league, coming off the bench on seven occasions. In the recent match against Forest, he was an unused substitute and did not travel to London for the fixture against Tottenham due to a minor injury.

Seeking more playing time, Mainoo expressed a desire to go on loan during the summer transfer window, but Amorim blocked the move, suggesting that Mainoo is competing for playing time with club captain Bruno Fernandes. This situation further diminishes his chances of regular minutes in the manager’s strict 3-4-3 formation. Recent reports indicate that West Ham is considering a loan offer in the upcoming January transfer window, and Mainoo’s representatives are expected to advocate for a temporary move away from Old Trafford.

This push towards a loan indicates that the academy graduate wishes to maintain his connection with Manchester United. However, the question remains: how long will he remain committed to the club if he cannot continue to develop as a player? A loan arrangement seems sensible for all parties, but as time progresses, the likelihood of Mainoo’s long-term future lying outside of Manchester appears increasingly probable.