Why Aren’t Manchester United or England Playing Kobbie Mainoo?

The rise of Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the most exciting stories in English football over the past year. At just 19 years old, the Manchester United midfielder has already shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be the heartbeat of both club and country for the next decade. Smooth on the ball, intelligent in positioning, and fearless under pressure, Mainoo looks like the kind of player managers dream about. And yet, despite the hype, questions are being asked: why isn’t Mainoo playing more consistently for Manchester United or England?

Mainoo’s emergence felt almost overnight, though in truth it had been brewing for years. A product of United’s famous academy at Carrington, he was identified early as a standout talent. Coaches praised not just his technical ability but also his maturity, describing him as “old beyond his years.” When he finally got his chance in the first team, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. Against opponents far older and more experienced, Mainoo showed composure that made fans sit up and take notice.

United supporters quickly began to call for him to be a regular starter, especially in a midfield that has often looked inconsistent. With Casemiro struggling for fitness and form, and Christian Eriksen entering the later years of his career, many felt that Mainoo offered something fresh, something dynamic. But Erik ten Hag has been cautious. Mainoo has been rotated in and out, sometimes playing big matches, other times left on the bench. That inconsistency has led to frustration among fans who see him as one of the club’s brightest lights in an otherwise difficult period.

There are a few reasons why Ten Hag may be holding back. The first is simply about protection. At 19, Mainoo is still developing physically. The Premier League is one of the most demanding competitions in the world, and overexposure can be damaging. The club has painful memories of young players being overplayed too soon, only to suffer burnout or injuries that altered the trajectory of their careers. Ten Hag, known for his emphasis on discipline and structure, may feel that Mainoo needs careful management if he is to reach his full potential.

The second factor is tactical. United’s midfield has been a puzzle all season. With Bruno Fernandes occupying the attacking role, Ten Hag has often had to balance defensive solidity with creative spark. Mainoo, while talented, is still learning the nuances of when to push forward and when to sit deep. At times, his adventurous style can leave gaps that more experienced opponents exploit. The manager may be weighing the short-term risk of mistakes against the long-term benefit of his development.

For England, the situation is a little different. Gareth Southgate has shown interest in Mainoo, calling him up to senior training camps and handing him some minutes in friendlies. But in competitive fixtures, he has so far preferred more established names: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, and Jude Bellingham. That choice has sparked debate. While Rice and Bellingham are clear starters, Henderson and Phillips have been criticized for limited club action and declining form. Fans argue that Mainoo offers far more upside and should be given the chance to prove himself ahead of Euro 2026 qualifying and major tournaments to come.

Southgate, however, has always leaned on loyalty and experience. He trusts players who have delivered for him in the past, even if they are struggling at club level. For a teenager like Mainoo, breaking into that tight circle is not easy. England managers historically have been cautious with young midfielders, preferring to integrate them slowly rather than thrust them into the spotlight too soon. There is also the question of balance: with Rice and Bellingham already young and central to the team, Southgate may feel he cannot risk adding another inexperienced figure to the most important area of the pitch.

The frustration for fans is that Mainoo seems ready. Every time he plays, he shows an ability to dictate tempo, link play, and carry the ball through midfield lines. His calmness under pressure is reminiscent of Paul Scholes, while his ability to glide past opponents draws comparisons to Michael Carrick. These are heavy names to be mentioned alongside, but Mainoo has the qualities to live up to them if given the chance.

What complicates the issue further is United’s current state. A club once defined by boldness and youth is now struggling to rebuild its identity. For many supporters, Mainoo symbolizes hope—a reminder of what United can still produce through its academy. Holding him back feels, to them, like a betrayal of tradition. The chant “play the kids” is never far away at Old Trafford, and Mainoo has become the poster boy for that sentiment.

Still, there is a logic to patience. At 19, he has time. Building him up gradually may help him avoid the pitfalls that have claimed other prodigies. If he continues to train well and seize his opportunities, his role will inevitably grow. Ten Hag has hinted as much, suggesting that Mainoo is part of his long-term vision for United’s midfield. The question is whether the club’s current struggles allow for long-term thinking.

For England, the picture could change rapidly. If Henderson and Phillips continue to struggle for minutes at club level, Southgate may be forced to turn to younger options sooner than expected. Mainoo, alongside the likes of Curtis Jones and Conor Gallagher, could form a new generation of midfield depth. In the meantime, the teenager must simply keep impressing at United, making himself impossible to ignore.

The bigger picture is that football often moves faster than managers plan. Talent has a way of forcing its way into the spotlight. Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, and even Bellingham himself were thrown into major tournaments as teenagers, and they flourished. Mainoo could well follow that path, especially if he continues to show maturity beyond his years. For both United and England, the risk of playing him might be far smaller than the risk of holding him back.

So why isn’t he playing regularly yet? Perhaps the simplest answer is caution. Ten Hag wants to nurture him slowly, and Southgate values experience. But the more Mainoo performs, the louder the questions will become. Football doesn’t wait, and neither do fans who can see a star in the making. At some point, both club and country will have to trust what their eyes are telling them. Kobbie Mainoo is ready. The only question is whether his managers are ready to let him shine.