Koby Mainu’s World Cup hopes weren’t exactly strengthened in midweek during his role in Japan’s opener at Wembley, but from Manchester United’s perspective it was a good start to 2026 for the young midfielder.
That the 20-year-old is once again in the conversation for Thomas Tuchel’s position is a testament not only to him but also to interim head coach Michael Carrick, who was previously snubbed by Ruben Amorim.
Prior to January’s Manchester derby, Mainu had all but disappeared for most of 2025, not starting a single Premier League game in 2025/26 during Amorim’s tenure.
Now back in the spotlight as a key figure in Carrick’s resurgent side, the Carrington School graduate continues to be the man United and INEOS need to build around. Signing more players of his ilk should be a priority this summer
Manchester United’s Lodge investigation into signing of teenage sensation
Regardless of Maynou’s recent rise to prominence, the priority this summer remains the signing of a new central midfielder, with Casemiro’s departure imminent.
Sandro Tonali and Elliott Anderson are the likely targets at the moment, but they won’t come cheap, with both players having the club’s highest ever price tag in discussion.
There are likewise concerns over finding a suitable replacement for long-serving left-back Luke Shaw, with the Englishman clearly lacking a replacement at the moment.
If they need a new full-back and midfielder, why wouldn’t INEOS target someone who can do both? According to United Stand reporter Ben Jacobs, they’ve done just that following the latest reports regarding the club’s interest in Arsenal star Miles Lewis-Skelly.
According to Jacobs, INEOS are carrying out an informal investigation ahead of a potential move for the versatile 19-year-old and the youngster, who has seen reduced minutes at the Emirates, is open to considering a summer move.
The only catch is that United will have to get Lewis-Skelly firmly onside before they approach the Gunners to ensure the north Londoner is open to negotiations.
Why Lewis Skelly could be another Manchester United minnow
The 2023/24 season was a breakout year for Mainu, who made his first Premier League start in November, earned his first first-team call-up in March, and went on to play a prominent role at Euro 2024.
Incoming Koby Mainu has already agreed to sign with Man United in 2026
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign their next midfield sensation.
Despite a slump in the following season, hampered by injuries, Lewis-Skelly emerged as England’s rising star, with the Hale End-born player making his Gunners debut against Manchester City in September 2024.
Like Mainu, by March 2025 he was already in the Three Lions’ first team, making his international debut against Albania and marking an incredible rise for the midfielder-turned-left-back.
Like his Manchester compatriot, Lewis-Skelly was Arsenal’s golden boy, seemingly facing every challenge head-on, including the possibility of facing the likes of Real Madrid in the Champions League.
It was April’s draws, both home and away, that cemented the London-born star as a true sensation. Pundit Jamie Carragher hailed him as “one of the best players” in Arteta’s squad, hinting that he had “a bit of Jude Bellingham” due to his “football arrogance” at such a young age.
Lewis-Skelly vs Madrid (1st leg) | |
|---|---|
status | record |
minutes | 90 |
touch | 74 |
Pass rate | 95% |
Pass within own territory | 100% |
key pass | 2 |
dribble | 1/1 |
loss of ownership | 7 |
tackle | 2/2 |
Won a ground duel | 4/7 |
dribbled past | 0 |
Like Mainu in 2023/24, Lewis Skelly’s rise seemed unstoppable, but again, like any midfielder, there was a case of second-season syndrome.
In Maynou’s case, his face may not have been a good fit for Amorim’s regime, but Lewis-Skelly’s own demise is perhaps more surprising given that Arteta has overlooked him so many times this season.
The two-cap England international has started just 12 games in all competitions in 2025-26, leaving him as third choice at left-back behind Riccardo Calafioli and Piero Hincapie.
There is no doubting his talent, as the left-footed player is such an asset, given that he can comfortably move between left-back and central midfield roles, as he showed last season, especially against Bellingham’s Madrid.
Of course, for Mineux, his FA Cup heroes saw their fortunes changed with a change of dugout at Old Trafford, while for Lewis Skelly a change of team may be necessary to enjoy a comeback.
Why not make Manchester your new home next season?
New Sesco: INEOS ready to sanction Manchester United’s third biggest transfer in history
Red Devils are mean…
