Paul Pogba has suggested that Kobbie Mainoo should still be considering his Manchester United future, despite the young midfielder's recent return to the first team under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Mainoo's Difficult Season
Mainoo spent the first half of the season exiled from the first team by former manager Ruben Amorim, not starting a Premier League game until after the Portuguese coach's exit in January. Having been told he was in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot back in August, the 21-year-old pushed for a loan move away at the end of the summer transfer window only for United to block those attempts.
Mainoo explored a move again ahead of the January transfer window, with Napoli keen to bring him to Serie A, but Amorim's departure changed his situation. The academy graduate has started every game he has been available for under Carrick, missing just one game through injury. He has also forced his way back into the England team, hopeful of making Thomas Tuchel's squad heading to North America this summer for the World Cup.
Contract Situation
Mainoo has just 12 months left on his contract – with the option of a further 12 months – at Old Trafford, but positive talks are well underway for him to extend his deal. However, Pogba, who faced similar concerns over his role during his own time at United, warned that first-team football must remain Mainoo's priority after his difficult spell out of the team.
Pogba's Advice
Convinced Mainoo will have 'all the clubs' pursuing him, the France international said: 'He is such a talented kid, he is still young. It is really difficult. It is about the way how he feels, if he is good with the manager, and if the manager really trusts him, because he is going to have all the clubs behind him.'
'But I don't know about his contract. If he was free [agent], it would be a different story, I think. A kid like this, who thinks he can play, if everyone thinks he can play, if his manager is pushing and telling him you can play, why don't you play. That can also put this in this kid and he's like yeah, I should leave.'
'Maybe it is not the right decision. It's really hard for me to say he should leave when he is so loved by the people at United, he is such a great player with big potential and he can have a great career at United. I don't know, I just wish him the best.'
Pogba's Own Experience
Pogba joined United as a 16-year-old but left the club in 2012 after he was not given the first-team chances he desired. He returned to Manchester in 2016, leaving again four years ago. Having faced similar concerns over his role, Pogba suggested Mainoo must carefully consider his next move.
