Joleon Lescott Claims Kobbie Mainoo’s Future at Manchester United Is Bright

Joleon Lescott believes that Kobbie Mainoo has a promising future at Manchester United, suggesting that the young midfielder is likely to outlast manager Ruben Amorim. Despite Mainoo’s impressive rise, which includes scoring an FA Cup winning goal and becoming a pivotal player for England at Euro 2024, he has not been able to secure a starting position this season under Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag.

Mainoo, 20, made an impactful debut but has struggled for game time, primarily due to Bruno Fernandes occupying the central midfield role that Mainoo might excel in. So far this season, he has only started once, during a disappointing Carabao Cup match against Grimsby Town. His limited appearances have led to speculation about a potential loan move, as he seeks regular playing time.

Lescott, who has worked closely with Mainoo while coaching for the England national team, commented on the situation during an appearance on the podcast In The Mixer. He stated, “I’ve worked with Kobbie. He’s a very mature and impressive person. If I’m the club, I’m saying, ‘We’re giving you a new deal and go and play.’ Go somewhere else and play because the future is Kobbie Mainoo. It’s not Amorim, is it?”

Concerns Over Player Management

Lescott’s comments reflect broader concerns regarding how Mainoo’s situation is being handled by the club. He emphasized the need for Manchester United’s management to intervene, arguing that allowing the manager to dictate Mainoo’s future could lead to the loss of a valuable talent. He pointed out that with Mainoo’s contract nearing its end, the club risks losing him without realizing his full potential.

“You’d like to think he’s going to be at Manchester United longer than the manager,” Lescott added. “So the club should step in and dictate how this plays out rather than just let the manager create a scenario where Kobbie is like: ‘I’m not signing, I don’t want to sign, I don’t want to be here.’ Because then you’ve lost the player of that ilk.”

The young midfielder’s family has also publicly supported him, with his brother spotted at a recent match wearing a t-shirt that read “Free Kobbie Mainoo.” This highlights the growing frustration among fans and family over Mainoo’s limited opportunities.

Future Prospects for Mainoo

Mainoo’s talent has been evident since his early days at Old Trafford, and his recent performances have not gone unnoticed. Despite the limited playing time, he received praise for his contributions during a thrilling 4-4 draw, showcasing his ability to influence a match positively.

Lescott concluded that while Amorim may not need to play Mainoo every week, the situation can be managed more effectively. “Amorim is just managing this wrongly. Mainoo doesn’t need to play every week, but the scenario can be managed better, and I think the club has to be involved in this process,” he stated.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Manchester United to see how they navigate the future of Kobbie Mainoo and the management of their talented young players. The decisions made in the coming months could have significant implications for the club’s fortunes and the development of its promising talents.