Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo reportedly unimpressed by England coach Thomas Tuchel
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo reportedly did not impress England coach Thomas Tuchel during training sessions leading up to the World Cup group stage match against Ghana. Mainoo was expected to feature in that game due to fitness concerns surrounding Declan Rice, but ultimately remained on the bench. This decision was highlighted as one of several questionable choices made by Tuchel during the tournament.
Mainoo, who did not play a single minute throughout the World Cup, was reportedly baffled by his call-up given his lack of involvement. Despite being in strong form for Manchester United in the latter half of the season under Michael Carrick, Tuchel seemingly overlooked his capabilities. Carrick’s tenure saw Mainoo deliver some of his most complete midfield performances, showcasing an energetic and combative style, particularly effective in tight spaces and dribbling out of pressure.
Tuchel’s tactical decisions questioned
Tuchel’s management of the England squad, particularly in midfield, drew criticism. The midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson was often the first choice, which was initially understandable. However, reports suggest that Rice was not fully fit, making Mainoo’s continued absence more difficult to comprehend. England’s struggles to maintain possession and their midfield difficulties in matches, such as against Norway, further highlighted the perceived oversight.
During the tournament, Tuchel made only one substitution involving an actual central midfielder, bringing on Jordan Henderson for the final minutes against Panama. This was despite the midfield being identified as a consistent problem area across England’s seven matches. In the semi-final against Argentina, England’s possession dropped significantly after taking the lead, and Tuchel’s substitutions involved bringing on additional defenders, further sidelining Mainoo.
Impact on England’s World Cup campaign
Some England players reportedly felt that the tactical changes implemented by Tuchel did not benefit the team, particularly in the match against Argentina. Lionel Messi was said to have criticised England’s tactics after Argentina eliminated Tuchel’s side from the World Cup. The decision to ignore Mainoo’s attributes, such as his ability to win free-kicks and push his team forward, was described as baffling, especially given his strong club form.
The treatment of Mainoo by Tuchel has led to suggestions that Manchester United avoided a potential setback. Tuchel had reportedly met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024 and was considered a candidate for a head coach position at Old Trafford. However, Tuchel ultimately signed a new deal with the Football Association. His standing as a coach is believed to have been affected by the World Cup campaign, with some suggesting England reached the semi-finals despite his decisions rather than because of them.
In other transfer news, Marcus Rashford reportedly declined more lucrative offers than his current Manchester United contract, and his release clause has now expired. Arsenal is said to be interested in signing Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew. Nottingham Forest has reportedly increased its pursuit of Fiorentina right-back Dodo. Newcastle has held discussions with Brighton regarding the potential signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. Tottenham remains in negotiations over the final details of a deal for Manchester City winger Savinho. Chelsea has rejected two offers from Como for Trevoh Chalobah, with at least two other clubs also interested in the defender. In Scottish football, Lawrence Shankland was named Rangers‘ captain for a recent friendly in Spain, and Callum Osmand plans to meet with Martin O’Neil to discuss his role at Celtic.
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Source: skysports.com
