Kobbie Mainoo reportedly has a new best friend at Manchester United after the academy star was forced to find new mates following Alejandro Garnacho's exit. United’s dressing room dynamics have shifted again, and it’s Mainoo who has had to adapt. The 19-year-old midfielder, once inseparable from Garnacho, has found himself forging a fresh bond after his best mate departed Old Trafford last month.
Lonely no more for United star
With Garnacho gone, Mainoo could easily have been left on the fringes in the dressing room. However, according to the midfielder has gravitated towards Leny Yoro, sparking what insiders describe as a surprisingly close friendship.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSpanish lessons paying off
Mainoo’s efforts to learn Spanish two years ago, partly to better connect with Garnacho and Amad Diallo, have paid dividends once again. Both Garnacho and Amad are native speakers, and while Garnacho has kept his bromance with Amad alive, Mainoo still shares the same bond with both. Whereas, there is little trouble communicating with Yoro as the defender is a fluent English speaker.
Mainoo's minutes cut brutally short
It’s been a frustrating campaign so far for Mainoo. Despite racking up 76 senior appearances for United and already earning 10 caps for England, he’s barely featured under Amorim this season. His only start came in a nightmare Carabao Cup tie, where United were humiliated by League Two minnows Grimsby. The setback led to whispers that Mainoo might seek an exit to secure more game time elsewhere in the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Getty Images SportAmorim pushing Mainoo to the limits
Amorim has not been shy about challenging the club’s youngsters. Sources inside Carrington say Amorim has been putting Mainoo through an intense training programme, specifically targeting defensive skills that he believes need sharpening. The Portuguese coach sees Mainoo as a diamond still being cut, with the potential to thrive if he tightens his work out of possession. Nonetheless, Mainoo is expected to line up alongside captain Bruno Fernandes when United travel to Brentford this weekend, a fixture that offers him the perfect chance to remind everyone why he’s considered one of the brightest young talents in English football.