Manchester United have just unlocked the key to giving Kobbie Mainoo his sparkle back - soccerdelights.com
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Manchester United have just unlocked the key to giving Kobbie Mainoo his sparkle back

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Manchester United have just unlocked the key to giving Kobbie Mainoo his sparkle back

Kobbie Mainoo was rested against Barnsley and should return to Man United’s starting team this weekend.

 

Kobbie Mainoo had a smile on his face and was in a playful mood on Tuesday night.

When Mainoo walked out of the tunnel, he tapped Noussair Mazraoui on the right shoulder and the defender quickly turned around, thinking it was Joshua Zirkzee who had done it.

Mainoo burst out laughing and appeared to say “it was me,” to Mazraoui. The youngster was named on the bench against Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup, but he was in high spirits and should greatly benefit from the opportunity to have a rest ahead of the weekend.

This time last year, Mainoo was still recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained in pre-season and his last 12 months have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Roy Keane is right about Alejandro Garnacho – but he offers Manchester United so much more

Mainoo has become a first-team star, the club have opened talks to give him a new contract to reflect his new-found importance and he was brilliant for England during the latter stages of Euro 2024.

The 19-year-old’s rise has been sensational and not a surprise to those who know him best, but it has inevitably come with an increased workload and higher expectations.

Since making his full Premier League debut at Goodison Park last November, Mainoo has been played in almost every United game and his season was extended due to England duty.

Mainoo has been on the go for a long time and although he was given an extended break in the summer after England reached the final of Euro 2024, he still had less time to reset and recharge ahead of the new campaign than players in the squad who didn’t play for their nations.

A source close to Ten Hag conceded that Mainoo had been overplayed last season but said it was necessary. Ideally, a youngster from the academy would be gently bedded into the starting team, but Mainoo was thrown into the deep end and he was able to swim, thankfully.

Mainoo is an exceptional talent and United have a duty to handle him with his long-term future in mind, which means giving him starts but being conscious of managing his workload.

He should be able to start each week in the Premier League, but it was the right decision to rest him in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup against Barnsley and having the occasional rest will help Mainoo get his sparkle back, along with the arrival of Manuel Ugarte.

The blame game began after the Liverpool defeat before the international break and a few fans pointed the finger at Mainoo, questioning his role in the midfield problem.

However, the truth is Mainoo has been forced to play alongside Casemiro for too long now and the Brazilian’s decline combined with Ten Hag’s failure to address the structural issues in the centre of the pitch hasn’t seen him at his best in the opening weeks of the season.

A source told the MEN earlier this year that Mainoo ‘loves’ to play with Casemiro because he has more of a licence to take up prominent midfield positions, but the 32-year-old’s decline has been drastic and Ugarte is expected to fill that role, playing just behind the academy product.

With a rest in midweek and Ugarte expected to start against Crystal Palace this weekend, Mainoo should give the best possible account of himself and look back to his very best.

That’s not to say Mainoo has been poor this season because he’s done well in the circumstances, but the set-up around him hasn’t been right and it will now only help him to shine more.

United have a special talent on their hands and supporters won’t mind seeing Mainoo rested in certain cup fixtures to get the very best out of him in the biggest games.

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Report: Manchester United Star Set to Leave the Club in 2025; Others to Follow

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Report: Manchester United Star Set to Leave the Club in 2025; Others to Follow

 

Christian Eriksen Set for Manchester United Exit in 2025 – What’s Next?

In a recent report from TeamTalk, it appears that Christian Eriksen’s time at Manchester United could be coming to an end as soon as 2025. The Danish midfielder, who joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022, may be one of the first departures next summer according to Spanish sources. Despite his solid first season at Old Trafford, Eriksen has found himself falling down the pecking order. With his contract nearing its end, Manchester United seem unlikely to offer an extension, raising questions about his future.

Eriksen’s Contract Situation

Eriksen, who signed for Manchester United on a free transfer after proving his fitness at Brentford, has been a reliable and experienced option for Erik ten Hag. His initial season saw him make 44 appearances, but last year, the rise of young talent Kobbie Mainoo pushed him further out of the spotlight. While Eriksen’s £150,000-a-week wage isn’t astronomical by modern football standards, it’s a significant figure for a player in his 30s who isn’t a guaranteed starter.

According to TeamTalk, there are ‘no doubts’ at Manchester United that Eriksen will leave at the end of his contract in 2025. The report from Spanish outlet Fichajes adds that Eriksen ‘is set to become Manchester United’s first confirmed departure at the end of the current season.’ This aligns with United’s strategy of trimming an ageing squad, especially when significant wages are involved.

Eriksen’s Commitment to Manchester United

Despite the speculation around his future, Eriksen remains fully committed to United for what is likely his final season. In an interview with Wandsworth Times, he spoke openly about his dedication to the club: “I feel very good being at United. If they told me to leave I would leave but I didn’t hear that.”

When pressed about his future, Eriksen remained focused on the present season, stating: “There’s one year left so my focus is going to be on this year, going full out and see what happens afterwards.” His professionalism is undeniable, and United fans can expect the Dane to give his all until the very end.

Who Else Could Leave Manchester United in 2025?

Eriksen is just one of several Manchester United players who could depart next summer. As reported by TeamTalk, five other stars are also approaching the end of their contracts.

Tom Heaton: The 38-year-old goalkeeper has been a positive influence in the dressing room but may be nearing the end of his United career.

Jonny Evans: At 36, the veteran defender has been a reliable presence but could make way for younger players.

Harry Maguire: With speculation about his future continuing to swirl, the England defender could leave as his contract runs out.

Victor Lindelof: The Swedish centre-back is out of contract in 2025, and it remains to be seen if United will offer him a new deal.

Amad Diallo: The young winger is a promising talent, but his contract situation will need to be resolved soon.

This potential mass exodus reflects a need for Manchester United to rejuvenate their squad. With Erik ten Hag under pressure for some of his transfer decisions, the summer of 2025 could mark a significant turning point in his tenure.

Manchester United’s Transfer Plans

While Eriksen’s exit seems inevitable, Manchester United are already planning for the future. They’ve been linked with several high-profile names, including Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina. According to TeamTalk, United have surged ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Baturina, who has impressed with five assists in eight games this season. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah is reportedly on United’s radar as a free agent target for next summer.

These potential signings signal a clear intent from Manchester United to rebuild and strengthen key areas. With Eriksen’s departure likely, the focus will shift to finding creative and dynamic midfield options to fill the void.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many Manchester United fans, news of Christian Eriksen’s impending exit will be met with a mixture of sadness and acceptance. Eriksen has been a steady influence on the pitch, but the reality is that the team needs to move forward with younger, more dynamic players if they want to compete at the highest level.

Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence is a sign of the direction Manchester United are heading in. While Eriksen still offers plenty of experience and class, the pace of the modern game is unforgiving for players in their 30s. Erik ten Hag seems intent on shaping a squad that is not only talented but built for longevity. Players like Eriksen, while valuable, may no longer fit that vision.

From a tactical perspective, Eriksen’s departure could open up space for a more energetic, box-to-box midfielder who can provide both defensive cover and attacking impetus. United’s reported interest in Martin Baturina aligns with this need, as he’s shown the ability to create chances from deep and provide assists—something Eriksen has been known for throughout his career.

For fans, the thought of Eriksen leaving brings a sense of nostalgia, but also excitement for what’s to come. The club has been in a state of transition for years, and moves like these are necessary for long-term success. The key will be ensuring that the next wave of players can not only fill the boots of outgoing veterans but exceed them.

As Manchester United look to the future, the challenge will be balancing experience with youth, and Eriksen’s farewell may be one of the first steps in that process.

 

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Samuel Lusale’s move finally confirmed as wonderkid pictured with Man United jersey at Old Trafford

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Samuel Lusale’s move finally confirmed as wonderkid pictured with Man United jersey at Old Trafford

 

Not only the first team but INEOS also made sure the Manchester United academy was strengthened with quite a few high-profile additions made over the summer.

Sekou Kone was quite the capture and has already been tipped to make his breakthrough in his debut campaign itself with his name included in the Premier League squad submitted to the league by the club.

Other prominent captures include Samuel Lusale from Crystal Palace, James Overy, formerly of Perth Glory in Australia and former Arsenal academy striking sensation Chido Obi-Martin.

However, all three deals needed ratification from the FA and the league and that took quite a while but recently, as relayed by The Peoples Person, both Lusale and Overy have received the necessary clearances.

Lusale to United confirmed

The former Eagles academy star recently confirmed his departure from the London club and now, his move to the Red Devils has been confirmed with the 17-year-old spotted at Old Trafford.

The Secret Scout, a reputable source for youth football news, uploaded a picture on X (formerly Twitter) showing the Slovakia U18 international standing at Old Trafford posing with the No 7 jersey.

BOOM 💥 Samuel Lusale to Manchester United officially complete 🔴 ☑️

The account also revealed that the 20-time English league champions had to fend off competition from England, Italy and Germany to land Lusale.

He can play as an attacking midfielder and out wide with versatility a highly valued trait in modern football.

Lusale tipped for the top

The player is slated to initially join up with United’s all-conquering U18 side but is expected to move up quickly to the reserve level.

Palace tried desperately to hold on to the teen ace but Lusale rejected a scholarship offer in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

The move was confirmed after the 20-time English league champions agreed a compensation package with the Eagles.

Now, only Obi-Martin remains to receive the all-clear to complete his move to United. Hopefully, that will be tied up as soon as possible.

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Exclusive: Exciting Man Utd 17-Year-Old ‘Not Ready for Breakout Season’

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Exclusive: Exciting Man Utd 17-Year-Old ‘Not Ready for Breakout Season’

Manchester United starlet Harry Amass was not included in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup hammering of Barnsley as boss Erik ten Hag has decided that the Old Trafford youngster is not ready to enjoy a breakthrough season in the first-team, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen grabbed braces, while Antony got his name on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, as the Red Devils cruised to their biggest victory since the Dutch tactician took charge thanks to completing a 7-0 rout of their League One opponents earlier this week.

Although Manuel Ugarte was handed the opportunity to make his first start since joining Manchester United in a deal worth up to £50.5million from Paris Saint-Germain during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, Amass was unable to work his way into ten Hag’s plans for the encounter.

Amass Must Develop Further Before Selection

Red Devils feel teen needs to prepare for higher level of physicality

Amass is not on course to enjoy a breakout season at Manchester United during the current campaign as ten Hag is adamant that he needs to continue developing his game before being ready for first-team action, according to GMS sources, which resulted in fellow youngster Toby Collyer getting the nod to start at left-back against Barnsley.

The 17-year-old was named on the bench seven times last term, including for the FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry City, but he is still seeking his senior debut and will be forced to remain patient in the coming months as he is not at the forefront of the Red Devils’ plans despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remaining on the treatment table.

Although there was some surprise within the Manchester United fanbase at Amass’ omission from the matchday squad when Barnsley headed to Old Trafford, GMS sources have been informed that there is a feeling behind the scenes that he needs more time to prepare for the level of physicality at the top level, along with the amount of pressure and expectation.

Harry Amass’ statistics at youth level

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Yellow cards

Sent off

Manchester United under-18s

17

1

3

3

0

Manchester United under-21s

6

0

3

3

0

Manchester United under-19s

2

0

0

0

0

Watford under-18s

2

0

0

0

0

Statistics correct as of 18/09/2024

The exciting left-sided full-back enjoyed a decent pre-season as he was involved with the first-team squad, but his only game time since the campaign got underway has come in the form of three appearances for the Red Devils’ under-21 squad, and he grabbed an assist in a Bristol Street Motors Trophy win over Barnsley.

Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox was eager for the likes of Amass to be involved during the closing stages of last term as he was keen to assess whether he should be considered a first-team squad member, GMS previously reported, but ten Hag chose to head in an alternative direction as he chased European qualification and FA Cup glory.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Harry Amass registered 82 per cent pass accuracy, won nine ground duels, completed seven tackles and made four key passes during Manchester United’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy win over Barnsley last month

Ten Hag Still Viewing Amass as Future Talent

Left-back will be handed opportunities further down the line

Although Amass is not currently in the first-team picture at Manchester United, meaning he is not in contention to be involved against Crystal Palace on Saturday, GMS sources have been told that there are still high hopes for the teenager to make a name for himself at Old Trafford and eventually progress into the forefront of ten Hag’s plans.

The former Watford sensation, who was named in the matchday squad once before leaving Vicarage Road for the Red Devils, has been pinpointed as having a bright future ahead of him after there has been the success of academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo making the leap into senior action within the last 12 months.

But Amass is being forced to continue playing the waiting game before being handed a chance, and GMS sources understand that there will be opportunities further down the line as there is belief within Manchester United that he has the ability to eventually work his way into the picture amid Shaw and Malacia’s ongoing injury issues.

 

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