So far, Thomas Tuchel has given Mainoo zero playing time in the tournament, even as England advance to the knockout stages on the back of solid performances. For Manchester United supporters, this echoes past frustrations, with Mainoo repeatedly sidelined under different managers. Yet a major injury elsewhere could force Tuchel to rethink his rotation.
Mainoo’s World Cup situation could change at the most opportune moment. England are three wins away from glory, and the upcoming fixtures are set to be grueling. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson have drawn heavy workloads, while Jordan Henderson has suffered a significant injury following England’s victory over Mexico. If either Rice or Anderson require rest, Mainoo would be the logical first option to come off the bench.
This scenario mirrors a familiar pattern from the Euros 2024. Gareth Southgate initially hesitated to throw Mainoo into the deep end, but the midfielder’s performances when given minutes were compelling enough to finish the tournament as a starting option in the final against Italy. While Tuchel is often pragmatic and may prefer to preserve Rice and Anderson in place, the door remains open for Mainoo to replicate those heroic displays from 2024 and emerge as a late-cup hero.
From a club perspective, Manchester United find themselves in a win-win situation regarding Mainoo’s World Cup involvement. Ideally, the star would have had a larger role on the international stage, but the club stands to benefit regardless. They could welcome a rested, refreshed Mainoo back to Carrington, ready to contribute with renewed energy, or they could gain a player who has gained valuable exposure and experience when the stakes were at their highest.
Even if England’s campaign ends earlier than hoped, Mainoo’s limited involvement means he’s less likely to shoulder blame for the results. United will continue to monitor his World Cup status closely, but the situation presents little downside—apart from the potential for an injury to derail plans.
In summary, Mainoo’s World Cup journey holds the potential for a fairytale turnaround. A nudge of bad luck with injuries or tactical decisions could open the door for him to become a pivotal figure for England and a valuable asset for Manchester United, turning a season of quiet expectation into a narrative of breakthrough and impact.
