Kobbie Mainoo has never been short on belief. From the moment he stepped out of the Carrington academy and into the Manchester United first team, his calm presence and maturity suggested a player built for big stages. That confidence carried him quickly into England’s spotlight, but the last year has tested him in ways few young footballers experience.

Now, with Ruben Amorim reshaping United in his own image, Mainoo finds himself on the fringes. Yet despite limited minutes and an uneasy relationship with the manager, the 20-year-old is determined to prove that Old Trafford is still his home.

Mainoo’s early rise was almost storybook. Under the previous regime, he became one of United’s brightest young faces. He showed composure beyond his years, won over fans, and even made his mark on the international stage. 

Then came the managerial change.

Amorim arrived with new ideas, a new structure, and a clear vision of how he wanted his midfield to look. Unfortunately for Mainoo, that vision did not place him at the center. His opportunities quickly became limited, and his appearances started to feel more like exceptions rather than part of a long-term plan.

The frustration has been visible. Those close to the player acknowledge that communication between Mainoo’s camp and Amorim has been far from smooth. Moments off the pitch, including public gestures of support from family members, only highlighted how strained things had become.

Despite that tension, United have made it clear they still see Mainoo as part of their future. He remains under contract until 2027, with an option for an additional year, and the club has rejected any suggestion of loaning him out. Amorim himself has stated that the midfielder still matters to the long-term project, even if his current role is limited.

For Mainoo, leaving would have been the easier route. Several clubs have quietly monitored his situation, aware that young English midfielders with his profile rarely remain unused for long. But he has chosen patience over shortcuts.

His stance is simple. He wants to succeed where he started.

Financially, Mainoo is also in an interesting position. His current contract was signed while he was still a teenager, meaning it does not reflect his rapid rise or market value. Industry estimates suggest that players of similar profile now command weekly wages well into the $100,000 USD range. Mainoo recently declined an early offer of a new deal, a move seen as both a statement of self-worth and a sign of his belief that he can still establish himself as a regular at United.

There is also the international picture to consider. Reduced playing time puts his chances of future England call-ups at risk. National managers prioritize form and consistency, and being on the fringes of your club side is rarely enough to stay in contention for major tournaments.

That reality only adds to his urgency. Mainoo knows that the next few months could define the direction of his career.

But rather than forcing an exit, he is choosing to fight for relevance. He continues to train hard, remains professional in his approach, and has the backing of several senior figures within the club who believe his time will come again.