Kobbie Mainoo's Stunning Fall: How Man Utd's FA Cup Final Star Became a Forgotten Benchwarmer

"He's incredibly composed, the game appears effortless for him. It's almost like watching art in motion."

These were the observations legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes made about Kobbie Mainoo in August 2024. Exceptional praise from one of England's most accomplished midfielders.

Move ahead just over a year and circumstances have shifted considerably for the 20-year-old—who instead of commanding United's midfield regularly finds himself firmly planted on the substitutes' bench. Mainoo was previously celebrated as the club's potential savior, but now sits on the margins, restricted to backup roles and domestic cup matches.

Mainoo deserved attention when he seamlessly integrated into United's starting eleven during the 2023–24 season, crowning an outstanding debut campaign with the decisive strike in the FA Cup final against arch-rivals Manchester City.

However, the midfielder's progress has plateaued amid the turmoil at Old Trafford. Is this poor management, or simply the natural ups and downs of a developing career? What precisely has gone awry?

Unrealistic Expectations

Mainoo's rise was both rapid and remarkable. He appeared in only three matches during 2022–23 but accumulated 32 the subsequent season, participating in more than half of United's Premier League fixtures under Erik ten Hag. His FA Cup final heroics perfectly matched such an extraordinarily quick progression, as did his selection for England's Euro 2024 squad.

The dynamic midfielder became essential to England's tournament advancement as his playing time grew and Gareth Southgate eventually gave him a starting position in the final. The Three Lions fell to Spain but Mainoo already appeared at ease on football's biggest platform.

United's prodigy was anticipated to maintain the same trajectory the next season, but 2024–25 became a campaign of unprecedented disappointments for the Red Devils. Like many teammates, Mainoo found it challenging to overcome the struggles, with Ruben Amorim's appointment beginning a tough period for him and the squad.

Nevertheless, Mainoo's regression last season isn't a dramatic story of failure—it's simply the naturally challenging journey of a young English player bearing enormous pressure. Mainoo became a casualty of his own breakthrough achievements. Standards quickly shifted and it was unreasonably expected that he would guide United toward a new era of triumph and optimism. That dream was never likely to materialize.

"He's the closest thing I've witnessed to [Zinedine] Zidane in controlling a ball, collecting passes, gliding past opponents," praised Scholes in the previously mentioned interview. "The possibilities are endless for this young man if he remains focused. And he appears to be the kind who will maintain balance."

Such parallels were never going to be beneficial but that's how young English talents are treated. They carry tremendous expectations and Mainoo is another who has diminished under intense scrutiny.

Frozen Out of Ruben Amorim's Two-Man Midfield

Mainoo isn't the only one finding it difficult to adapt to Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. The Portuguese coach remains committed to the formation that delivered remarkable success at Sporting CP and his dedication to this approach has remained constant. Nevertheless, it has negatively affected Mainoo's development and first-team opportunities.

Mainoo has demonstrated his adaptability while operating in midfield, performing various functions. He's worked in deeper positions, as a box-to-box player and as an advanced No.10, but it's as a roaming No.8 where he's appeared most natural.

Most of today's top football teams employ a three-man midfield in some form—Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal all utilize three central players, whether it's a flat three or a double pivot with an attacking midfielder. However, Amorim's two-man central area limits chances for Mainoo.

Mainoo's Old Trafford statistics

*All competitions

Obviously, a defensively-minded anchor is needed to provide cover, and Casemiro has been the primary enforcer in United's midfield since Amorim's arrival. A more inventive player can partner the Brazilian and that appears increasingly likely to be Bruno Fernandes, whom Mainoo has no realistic chance of replacing.

Creating space for Mainoo isn't simple and his playing time has suffered consequently. Only 23 of his 37 appearances last season were starts and he averaged merely 56 minutes per game. At this point in his career, playing consistently and for full periods is vital.

Mainoo was keen to secure a loan departure from United during the summer to play more frequently, but a move was instantly rejected. If Amorim cannot provide him with more minutes and starts this season, then he will continue to face difficulties.

Injury Setbacks

Like many young players who are rapidly given first-team duties, Mainoo's progression has been hindered by injuries. He missed the start of the 2023–24 season with an ankle injury and endured two additional problems last term, missing a combined 17 matches while recovering.

Mainoo was absent for three months across two separate periods and understandably struggled to build continuity upon his return. He was only beginning his first comeback from injury when Amorim arrived and found it challenging to establish any flow after returning from his second injury in April.

While not catastrophic setbacks, these absences undoubtedly impacted his ability to build consistency under Amorim. Others advanced past him in the hierarchy during his time away, shown by the fact he received just four starts between April and season's end. He was only utilized in injury time during the Europa League final as United sought an equalizer, with Amorim choosing Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho before him.

Remaining healthy will be essential for Mainoo to make progress this season, particularly given United lacks the additional burden of European competition. That means fewer chances, but also reduced opportunities for injury problems.

One thing is certain, Mainoo possesses all the fundamental qualities to succeed at the elite level. The question now is whether United provides the proper environment for his development, and whether Amorim is the coach to advance his career.