Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t started a Premier League match for Manchester United this season but James Maddison has backed the midfielder to return to top form
James Maddison has thrown his support behind Kobbie Mainoo, insisting the young midfielder will rediscover his finest form and reach a “really high level”, despite Ruben Amorim’s latest Manchester United snub. Maddison, 29, offered his backing after Amorim once again named the England international on the bench for United’s Monday night trip to Wolves.
The 20-year-old hasn’t featured in a single Premier League starting XI for United in 2025/26. He has played just 171 minutes in the top flight this season, and he remained an unused substitute during Thursday’s 1-1 stalemate against West Ham at Old Trafford.
In his pre-Wolves press conference, Amorim justified his choice to restrict Mainoo’s playing opportunities this season. When questioned about whether he recognised why Mainoo’s status as a homegrown English talent generated particular scrutiny, Amorim said: “Of course I understand, and my job is to answer. But you always ask me the same thing.
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“I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in]. It’s my decision.”
Maddison has now heaped praise on Mainoo and remains convinced the United star will reverse his fortunes, regardless of whether Amorim currently rates him. During Sky Sports ‘ Monday Night Football, host David Jones asked the former Leicester and Norwich man if Mainoo still possesses a promising future in football.
Maddison replied: “Yeah, definitely. It wasn’t that long ago he was starting in the Euros for England. I remember Kobbie’s first start for England was a game I came on as a sub in and I was very impressed with how composed he was and the occasion just didn’t get to him at all.
“He is good on the ball and calm. A player with that much quality and assurance on the ball, I don’t see any way how he doesn’t get back to a really high level.”
Following Mainoo’s omission against West Ham, an incensed Paul Scholes turned to Instagram to express his displeasure with Amorim. “Bulls***,” Scholes wrote in response to Amorim’s recent claim that he considers Mainoo a starter.
“The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football. Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now, enough is enough.”
Mainoo was included in a nine-man United bench for the Wolves fixture, alongside fellow academy product Shea Lacey. Altay Bayindir, Patrick Dorgu, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee completed the Reds’ substitutes.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
