Wayne Rooney has had his say on Kobbie Mainoo’s form at Manchester United this season, making his stance clear. The 20-year-old has dealt with injuries and hasn’t seen much action for the first team under Ruben Amorim’s time in charge.
Wayne Rooney has had his say on Kobbie Mainoo’s form at Manchester United this season, making his stance clear.
The 20-year-old has dealt with injuries and hasn’t seen much action for the first team under Ruben Amorim’s time in charge.
Mainoo, who came up through the academy, has featured 12 times in the Premier League this campaign, but all of those appearances have come off the bench.
He also hasn’t managed a goal or assist so far. His only starts have come in cup competitions — two each in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Mainoo’s first start of the season came back in August when United lost to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Wayne Rooney gives his verdict on Kobbie Mainoo’s season so far
Kobbie Mainoo missed the last four games of Ruben Amorim’s time in charge, and only recently returned to action under interim boss Darren Fletcher.
After recovering from a calf injury, Mainoo came off the bench against Burnley before starting in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Speaking on his podcast, Wayne Rooney admitted that he has not been blown away by Mainoo’s performances in a United shirt in the 2025-26 Premier League season.
“I think Kobbie will certainly get more of a chance [at] what he’s had and then it’s on Kobbie,” he said on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show.
“And I’ll be honest, I’ve been disappointed with him when he has had his opportunity.”
Wayne Rooney on what he has noticed from Man Utd and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo missed Ruben Amorim’s final four Manchester United matches before the Portuguese coach was sacked last week.
The young midfielder returned from a calf injury under caretaker manager Darren Fletcher, coming on as a substitute in United’s 2-2 draw against Burnley.
After returning to fitness, Mainoo started for the first time in 2026 during United’s FA Cup loss to Brighton at Old Trafford, though it ended in a 2-1 defeat.
“I think Kobbie will certainly get more of a chance than what he’s had and then it’s on Kobbie,” he said. “And I’ll be honest, I’ve been disappointed with him when he has had his opportunity.”
Category: General Sports
