Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is determined to regain a place in the club's starting lineup this season. The youngster has been training hard at the Carrington Training Ground, doing his utmost to impress manager Rúben Amorim, who has set higher development demands for the young player.
Mainoo has even replaced his private chef at home in an attempt to boost his performance through dietary adjustments. Additionally, he specifically worked with a personal trainer for extra sessions during the September international break. Having fallen down the pecking order at the club, the midfielder is eager to win back his regular starting spot at United.
The 20-year-old submitted a loan request to the club in the final week of the summer transfer window, but United rejected the appeal. Mainoo has no desire to leave the club he has been with since childhood permanently; he only hoped to secure regular game time through a loan move this crucial season.
After his loan request was turned down, Mainoo has shown a positive attitude and is now focused on returning to United's starting lineup through his performances, with the aim of representing England at the 2026 World Cup. Although he started for England in this year's Euro final against Spain, he was not included in Gareth Southgate's squad for September's internationals. Manager Thomas Tuchel made it clear that Mainoo needs more game time to be part of the national team plans.
Representing England at next summer's World Cup is a key motivation for Mainoo. United boss Amorim has also urged him to fight for his place and spoke in detail about the young talent in a press conference ahead of the Manchester derby.
"Like many players, he craves more game time," Amorim said when asked if he had noticed a change in Mainoo. "I didn't speak to him before the transfer window closed, but we talked this week. I don't want Mainoo to think I only spoke to him to keep him. I have great confidence in him, but some people might think he has already reached his peak, while I believe he still has huge room for improvement.
"For some players, talent might be enough, but for him, it's far from sufficient. It might be unfair, but I think this is helping him grow. He will get opportunities like every other player.
"Whoever shows me the best form in training during the week will play. I have proven this to all the players. I firmly believe he is a top player, but he can be even better – that's what I'm focused on."
