Kobbie Mainoo made his fifth consecutive start for Manchester United in the match against West Ham, continuing to show promise despite a tough night for the team.
Michael Carrick has quickly come to trust Mainoo, making him a regular in the lineup early in the season.
This is a shift from his time under Ruben Amorim, who gave him only limited minutes, seemingly to appease fans without much effect.
It’s unusual that Mainoo was sidelined for so long without a clear reason, especially now that he has proven himself multiple times. While the reasons might remain unclear, it’s evident that Mainoo has established his worth.
Against West Ham, it felt like a match managed by someone different—someone who previously overlooked Mainoo, yet understood his capabilities.
Kobbie Mainoo impresses amid a challenging match for Manchester United
The result ended United’s winning streak, but given the strong defense from Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, it could still be viewed as a valuable point.
Mainoo stood out as one of the few positives. He delivered another solid performance, with England manager Thomas Tuchel observing from the stands, likely to assess the 20-year-old midfielder.
As World Cup selections are approaching, Mainoo’s current form makes a strong case for his inclusion in Tuchel’s squad.
While this might not have been his finest game, Mainoo still showcased several skills that would grab Tuchel’s attention and bolster his chances for the World Cup.
Mainoo kept the midfield moving with his composed passing and smart decision-making. He maintained possession and effectively distributed the ball to the team’s attacking players.
He also demonstrated his work ethic off the ball, actively pursuing loose balls and not shying away from challenges.
Mainoo nearly added to his assist record when he provided an accurate cross to Casemiro, only for the goal to be ruled out due to a narrow offside call. Even if he didn’t dominate the match overall, those moments highlighted qualities that could benefit England in the future.
Kobbie Mainoo stands out for Manchester United despite difficult result