“It hurt me” – Tuchel breaks silence on Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup treatment

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Utd Report

·18 September 2026

“It hurt me” – Tuchel breaks silence on Kobbie Mainoo’s World Cup treatment

England boss Thomas Tuchel explains why he kept Kobbie Mainoo on the bench for the duration of the World Cup.

The Manchester United midfielder earned his ticket to the biggest tournament in sports thanks to a club revival that began in January when Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager had kept the young Englishman on the bench.

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But while Mainoo was selected for the World Cup, he didn’t make a single appearance in England’s eight matches, much to the dismay of MUFC supporters who adore the club’s academy product.

Thomas Tuchel explains Kobbie Mainoo snub in the World Cup

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

On Friday, England announced their squad for the upcoming international break, which will feature four UEFA Nations League games for the Three Lions, beginning with a clash against world champions Spain. Interestingly, Mainoo has once again received a call-up.

Although Man Utd are enduring a miserable start to the new campaign, Mainoo has arguably been their best player, as he continues to put on convincing displays.

Therefore, Tuchel was asked whether he intends to play the 21-year-old this time, and the answer was utterly positive.

“Yes, I expect him to be on the pitch, and it’s my duty to put him on the pitch,” said the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich head coach.

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Tuchel insisted that Mainoo had exemplary behaviour throughout the tournament, but he simply considered Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson untouchable in his plans.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong in the World Cup. He was class in behaviour and in training, but it was a big competition.

“Elliot Anderson is a fantastic player for us; Declan Rice is a very unique player, so we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie.”

Tuchel also confirmed Mainoo would have featured in the 3rd-place match against France if he hadn’t suffered a knock.

“It was difficult for him. He got injured before the France game, so we couldn’t give him minutes there, which hurt me.

“Maybe it hurt him more than me, but it’s my responsibility to reward him for that.”

Why this international break could be crucial for Mainoo

(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

With four games to be played in a less important competition, we can expect Tuchel to give opportunities to every player at his disposal.

Therefore, it will be vital for the Man Utd star to prove his worth, as he wouldn’t want to give the manager a reason to look beyond him the next time he assembles his squad, especially with Tuchel spoilt for choice.

Those who have followed Mainoo’s displays in 2026 would agree that the United youth product has all the makings to become an elite midfielder, and he will hopefully be able to prove it on the international stage.