In what has been a tough few seasons for Manchester United, key moments have often centered around Coby Mainou, who scored a last-gasp victory at Molineux. that The deciding factor in the FA Cup final, or the remarkable equalizer for Lyon last season.
Harry Maguire may have sealed the winner on that tumultuous April night, but the relief and enthusiasm was perhaps even more palpable when Mainu scored on the final knock of extra-time, sparking scenes at Old Trafford that perhaps haven’t been seen in a generation.
Cynics will say such games and moments don’t really matter since United keep losing the Europa League’s marquee fixtures, but it was difficult not to get swept up in the confusion and jubilation.
From Ruben Amorim’s smiling face to a celebration inspired by the 20-year-old himself, Joshua Zirkzee, there were some more memorable nights at Theater of Dreams.
It was hoped that such an important goal would help start Mainu’s journey under a new government, but now, more than six months later, exit in 2026 appears to be the most likely outcome.
Latest information on Koby Mainu’s Manchester United future
Speaking after the recent draw with West Ham United, Amorim seemed slightly irritated by repeated questions about what to do with the Stockport-born star, almost scoffing at suggestions that Mainu could have turned into a more attacking-minded player.
The 40-year-old was again on the defensive in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Bournemouth, also pointing to the “struggles” of Toby Collier, Chido Obi and Harry Amath this season as a potential justification for using the academy ranks.
The young trio, who have made 28 appearances in total for United, are admittedly relatively unproven, but in Mainu’s case, supporters have seen the brilliance he brings.
The £25,000-a-week midfielder, a “generational talent” in the opinion of former teammate Rasmus Høylund, will not start a single Premier League game in 2025-26, with Amorim relying instead on the experienced duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
With the Brazilian suspended for the upcoming trip to Villa Park, Mainu may have the means to increase his game time, but it will take a lot of time to quiet speculation about his future amid reports that he is keen to join up with the likes of Hoylund at Napoli.
While a loan move to a Serie A side has been touted, Premier League clubs are also linked with his signature, with the Euro 2024 star looking for a more prominent role in this crucial World Cup year.
It’s depressing to see Mainu leave, but his relationship with Amorim only seems to be going in one direction.
But at least Carrington has someone the United manager can call upon to replace him.
Manchester United are already preparing Maynou’s replacement in Carrington
Unlike last season, when Obi, Amas and Tyler Fredrickson were promoted to the first-team set-up, not a single academy player made their debut under Amorim in 2025/26, with 18-year-old Shay Lacey becoming a regular on the bench in recent weeks.
Perhaps with Casemiro sidelined and Manuel Ugarte eyeing his own departure, things could change soon, with Carrington having a handful of exciting midfield talents worth scrutiny.
Homegrown stars such as Jim Thwaites and Jack Fletcher regularly train with the first team, but Sekou Kone may be the closest to a first-team appearance when he joins in 2024, although he is still recovering from injury.
It was suggested over the summer that United would not be interested in loaning the 19-year-old, as he was seen as a fifth choice in central midfield behind Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainu and Ugarte.
The teenager, who signed for Mali side FC Guidards in a £1m deal 18 months ago, featured in the matchday squad three times in the Premier League last season, and was memorable as a young man on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in February.
Mynu vs Bournemouth | |
|---|---|
status | record |
minutes | 29 |
touch | 29 |
Pass accuracy | 88% |
key pass | 1 |
dribble | 1/1 |
tackle | 0 |
Total number of duels won | 1/1 |
loss of ownership | 3 |
Statistics by Sofascore | |
As a true defensive-minded midfielder, the towering talent appears to have the attributes to fit well into Amorim’s midfield unit, with scout Antonio Mango suggesting he could be a “beast” in the first-team ranks.
The Mali youth international has only made two appearances at youth level this season after suffering a fractured eye socket, but with the first team facing a busy, festive schedule, it would be no surprise to see him parachuted in over the coming weeks.
Described by Mhango as a “very efficient box-to-box midfielder at both ends of the pitch”, the talent of this “hidden gem” could be enough to avoid INEOS needing to dip into the replacement market if Mainu is allowed to move on.
It’s not just Obi and Amas: Manchester United star will never play under Amorim again
Manchester United have a star player who has recently appeared to have fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
