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Manchester United called out for ineffective handling of sidelined star; Alex Ferguson lesson to be had

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 8:11 PM ET

Paul Parker believes Manchester United can’t afford to lose Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United have always taken pride in developing homegrown players. Yet, for Kobbie Mainoo, things have started to go wrong. Everyone once saw him as one of the brightest prospects from United’s academy, but now the 20-year-old midfielder faces uncertainty under Ruben Amorim. He won the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and made his senior debut under Erik ten Hag.

Mainoo’s rise looked unstoppable back then. However, this season tells a different story for the young prospect. He has played only 113 league minutes and hasn’t started a single Premier League game in the 2025/26 season so far. In this scenario, former defender Paul Parker has stated that if United allow Mainoo to leave, the club will create “big problems” for themselves.

He said that the English midfielder’s importance goes beyond being a local lad because the youngster has huge potential. Parker explained that young players need patience, guidance, and support, not indifference. He added that the club should have sent Mainoo on loan abroad to help him regain game-time rhythm and confidence.

“You’ve got to understand, when you’re younger, losing form can happen quite quickly, but it’s about getting it back. When you make mistakes, you nurture, you don’t stamp down on things, you demand, but you demand differently. He hasn’t been given what a good manager like Sir Alex Ferguson would do with a young player.

“Maybe they should’ve let him go out on loan and play. Go overseas and experience that little bit to come back again and start again. Especially in this current scenario where you’re not going to use him, let him go and do that.”

Via: Manchester Evening News

As things stand, Manchester United are blocking a January move for Mainoo, even though he is ready to swap Manchester United for Real Madrid. Amorim earlier said that the youngster must improve his positional sense and adapt to the game’s pace to earn a starting spot. If this situation continues, Mainoo will grow more frustrated, and the club will face criticism for mishandling one of its own.

Why Manchester United must not let Mainoo leave, but need to reinstate him in their first-team plans?

Manchester United will make a big mistake if they go on to lose Mainoo. The 20-year-old brings calmness when on the ball, smart decision-making, and maturity that’s not very evident in players of this age. The Englishman has already displayed traits of a top-level midfielder through his passing and control under pressure. If United let him depart right now, they would remove a sensational player from their armoury, who can play a huge role in United’s future.

As a homegrown talent, Mainoo represents the club’s spirit and tradition. United have kept an academy graduate in every matchday squad for decades, and they could break that streak if he leaves. Amorim once said he valued that record highly. If the Red Devils keep Mainoo, it makes sense for both financial and football reasons.

If United develop an academy player, it will save the club money on transfers, and his future value gives even more benefit. On the field, several midfielders continue to struggle for form and fitness, so United can’t lose their depth. Amorim can give Mainoo a little confidence and try him in his system alongside Bruno Fernandes. The 20-year-old can link midfield to attack with composure and precision.

United can look to drop a forward for balance, and hence, they could make the system smoother. United built their identity by backing their own players. If they let Mainoo go, they will show a lack of belief in their roots. The club has to bring him into the scheme of things, as he is one of their brightest talents, and it will be catastrophic for their future if they don’t handle it better right now. What do you think, United fans? How should the club and Amorim handle this situation?

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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