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It is still hard to get your head around the reality that had Mainoo been granted his wish, he would be playing for Napoli now – or that if United had not changed their manager in January, he would have been pushing for an alternative loan move.<\/p>\n
One of the most bizarre aspects of Amorim’s tenure was that it robbed United of not only a homegrown player but one of a limited number capable of being part of a team that could deliver enough positive results to get them into the Champions League.<\/p>\n
Mainoo did not start a Premier League game under Amorim this season. Apart from one because of injury, he has not failed to start one since he left.<\/p>\n
Captain Bruno Fernandes could break the Premier League assist record this season but had Amad Diallo finished as he should have done against Brentford<\/a> on Monday, Mainoo would have got the assist of the season for his mazy dribble and lay-off in the opening minutes.<\/p>\n At 21, he still has much to learn, with much development to come. That is the key point, though. <\/p>\n Mainoo is nowhere near the finished article but is already one of England’s top midfielders; not a prolific scorer, or a brutal tackler, but someone with the priceless ability to take the ball in tight spaces, find a way out and move it on.<\/p>\n Few with any connection to United will not welcome this news. A local lad, with the world at his feet, committed to Old Trafford for another five years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n