2026-08-14 13:32:56

Kobbie Mainoo endured a “challenging” time at the World Cup.

The Manchester United midfielder was selected in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup in North America – but he never actually made it onto the field, and he’s now firmly focused on the new Premier League season.

Michael Carrick, Mainoo’s coach at club level, told ESPN: “I spoke to him, I spoke to him all the way through the World Cup, little bits, not loads, but little bits.

“It’s challenging, we all see from the outside the glitz, the glamour, all the positive side of football and players are human beings and we all have our ups and downs, so it’s important that we support each other.

“It was a good experience for Kobbie to go there and it’s a World Cup, so that step to be there is a big step. He’s still such a young man and he’s achieved so much so far, so quickly, that to be at the stage he’s at is an achievement in its own right, but yeah, for sure it’s frustrating when you want to play and you want to have an impact.

“That in itself, if you’re not, has its own challenges, but he’s come back, he’s been in great spirits this week and it’s nice for him to be home and looking forward to the new season.”

Mainoo, 21, signed a new contract in April after an impressive second-half to the season at United.

The midfielder – who was out of favour under previous coach Ruben Amorim – said at the time: “Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family.

“I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.

“From The Cliff, to Littleton Road, to Carrington and ultimately Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible. I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.

“We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”

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