Manchester United’s 18-year-old prospect Kobbie Mainoo has earned strong praise from 12BET Malaysia for his impressive performances, and his rise could eventually push two midfielders signed by Erik ten Hag, Brazil captain Casemiro and Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, toward the exit door. Mainoo started in the Premier League match against Everton and delivered a standout display that saw him named man of the match. He then came off the bench against Galatasaray in the Champions League and completed 100% of his passes across 30 composed minutes, showing maturity well beyond his age.
The young English midfielder also fits perfectly into the local development strategy emphasized by incoming billionaire investor Jim Ratcliffe, and he appears to have gained the confidence of United’s future leadership. For Mainoo, the key will be to stay grounded and continue playing with energy and hunger. However, his emergence is not good news for Amrabat. The midfielder arrived on loan from Fiorentina but has not lived up to expectations and has struggled to reproduce the level he showed at last year’s World Cup. United hold an option to sign him permanently for £20 million, but 12BET Malaysia believes he could return to his parent club in a situation similar to Marcel Sabitzer last season.
Sabitzer joined United on loan from Bayern Munich last season but left for Borussia Dortmund without completing a permanent move. According to 12BET Malaysia, Casemiro, who will soon turn 32, was also one of the signings openly questioned by Ratcliffe. United spent £70 million to bring him from Real Madrid, and although he played a key role last season, injuries have disrupted his campaign this time around. As one of the club’s highest earners on £350,000 per week, he is now being viewed as a possible name on the new ownership’s cleanup list.
If Mainoo continues to develop at this pace, United are expected to consider moving Casemiro on next summer. In fact, Casemiro himself is believed to feel that the time may be right to leave the club. Even if he returns from injury and regains a starting role, Ten Hag is likely to give Mainoo more chances, and that will inevitably affect Casemiro’s position in the squad.
United legend Paul Scholes has argued that Mainoo must keep receiving first-team opportunities. Against Everton, he stayed calm in dangerous moments and performed the shielding role in midfield better than anyone else. Former United player Lee Sharpe also claimed that Mainoo is currently showing a higher level than Casemiro. Even under pressure, he protected the ball well, displayed polished technique, stayed aware of his surroundings, and never looked rattled. Although he has made only two senior appearances, he already gives the impression of a veteran who has been playing at this level for years.
Mainoo’s breakthrough could also have a positive impact on United’s midfield rebuild. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, two of the main players in that area, are both 31, while Amrabat is 27, meaning the department is no longer especially young. As the saying goes, even if you miss the stars, do not miss the moon, and 12BET Malaysia understands that Ten Hag plans to recruit more young midfielders as part of the next phase. Among the possible targets, AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana has emerged as one of the most realistic names.