Kobbie Mainoo, even after a difficult 2025, is still living out the dream of every Manchester United supporter, enjoying a string of standout moments already in his blossoming career.
The 21-year-old has only scored eight times since emerging into the first team just over two years ago, although almost all of those have been memorable, high-profile efforts, some of the most celebrated in recent United history.
There’ve been two Old Trafford goals against Liverpool, a stoppage-time winner at Molineux and a last-gasp equaliser against Lyon, the latter of those sparking scenes of utter jubilation amongst the home crowd.
Of course, Mainoo’s most notable act remains that FA Cup final winner in 2024, a goal that cemented his place as the club’s new golden boy from the academy ranks.
Mainoo’s 8 Man Utd goals | ||
|---|---|---|
Date | Opponent | Result |
28/01/2024 | Newport | 2-4 (W) |
01/02/2024 | Wolves | 3-4 (W) |
07/04/2024 | Liverpool | 2-2 (D) |
15/05/2025 | Newcastle | 3-2 (W) |
25/05/2025 | Man City | 2-1 (W) |
30/01/2025 | FCSB | 1-2 (W) |
17/04/2025 | Lyon | 5-4 (W) |
03/05/2026 | Liverpool | 3-2 (W) |
He’s more than just a promising talent now, however, set to be front and centre under new permanent boss Michael Carrick, with the only question set to be just who will partner him moving forward.
Man Utd hold fresh talks to sign £80m Fernandes alternative
The name on everybody’s lips remains that of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, the battle for the Portuguese playmaker heating up after Tottenham Hotspur burst into the race.
That rival interest from the Lilywhites has complicated matters, although the biggest stumbling block facing INEOS at present is the 21-year-old’s price tag, believed to be around £80m.
As per United insiders, Fernandes is said to be United’s ‘main priority’ as things stand, with talks ongoing as they seek to thrash out a deal with the relegated Hammers.
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That same report did also outline that the former Southampton starlet isn’t the only player under consideration, however, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott on the agenda too.
It is claimed that the Red Devils have held ‘fresh talks’ in the last few days and weeks regarding a potential move for the Englishman, although these have been with Scott’s agent rather than with the Cherries.
Prior reports have indicated that the 22-year-old could fetch a similar fee to Fernandes of around £80m, albeit while having yet to pen a new deal with the south coast side.
Why Scott could be another Mainoo at Man Utd
The beauty of Mainoo is that, while not the most statistically pleasing midfielder, the Stockport native is such a delight to watch when at his best.
He may have only scored and assisted three goals in 2025/26, while creating only one ‘big chance’ in the Premier League, yet that doesn’t tell the full story.
Who can forget his delightful nutmeg on Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez at the Etihad, or having sent Antoine Semenyo for a dummy in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford?
There was also that stellar, solo run against Brentford late in the season, with Mainoo gliding his way into the penalty area, only to be denied an assist following Amad’s errant finish.
He’s all poise and grace, the type of player who can dictate proceedings in front of the back four, having made such an impact on his return to the starting lineup following Carrick’s appointment in January.
To steal Vicente Del Bosque’s praise regarding a certain Sergio Busquets, if you watch the game, you don’t see Mainoo, but if you watch Mainoo, you see the whole game.
That certainly rings true with regard to Scott as well, the ex-Bristol City starlet also not exactly a player who jumps off the page statistically, having ended 2025/26 with just four goals and assists himself in the top-flight.
Like Mainoo, the deep-lying playmaker also only averaged 0.8 key passes per game, and created just four ‘big chances’, not often the man to provide that killer, cutting pass in the final third.
And yet, the Guernsey-born talent is another who can run the show in the centre of the park, so comfortable and willing to take possession in any area of the pitch.
Against United in March, for instance, in that entertaining 2-2 draw, Scott was masterful up against Mainoo and Casemiro, racking up 82 touches, winning 100% of his duels and tackles, boasting a 90% pass rate and providing two key passes.
The in-demand gem also stole the show in Bournemouth’s win over Arsenal at the Emirates, skipping into the penalty area to sweep home in delightful fashion late on.
It’s typically the Cherries’ attacking talents, namely Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi, who dominate the headlines, but Scott is just as vital in that midfield unit, much like Mainoo back in Manchester.
As per Scout Lab too, both he and Mainoo also rank in the top 15% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries made, further evidence of their shared ability to drag their teams forward from deep.
According to the same site, Scott ranks ninth on the list with regard to the most similar players to Mainoo in Europe’s top seven leagues, suggesting why he could slot in smoothly at Old Trafford.
Fernandes might be the hot topic as things stand, but don’t count against Scott emerging as a concrete target himself for INEOS in the coming weeks.
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