Kobbie Mainoo offered the chance to return to England’s under 21 set up | OneFootball

Another turbulent start to a Premier League season for Manchester United has seen Ruben Amorim’s men struggle to find an effective balance between control and counter attack in the early exchanges.

With Bruno Fernandes being deployed in a deep midfield role, gaps have appeared in the middle of the park given the captain’s instincts to chase the ball in high areas.

Fernandes’ new role has also left its mark on Kobbie Mainoo, who has struggled for game time with the 20-year-old fighting against Bruno for that position, according to Amorim.

Mainoo burst onto the scene under the guidance of Erik ten Hag and looked a shoo-in for a slot in United’s midfield for the next decade and beyond.

However, Amorim hasn’t quite seen it that way as yet and continues to persist with Fernandes plus one, even if it has looked susceptible to failure at times.

As well as losing his place in the United XI, Mainoo has also been left out of recent England squads, again, something that seemed unfathomable after his performances in the Euros.

Route back to international duty

However, despite losing his place in the senior England set-up, Mainoo has been offered the chance to return to the international fold at under 21 level.

As reported by the Daily Mail, England youth manager Lee Carsley has confirmed he has reached out to Mainoo and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton regarding a call up.

“They’re definitely in consideration. I’ve got in contact with both of them. So they’re players that are highly rated within the system,” he said.

However, Carsley accepts the two midfielders are seen more as senior players, meaning it’s unlikely to see them take the step back, but stresses the option is there for the pair of rising stars.

“I think it’s one that we just assess every camp. I’m sure they’re both pitching to being in the senior team.

“They’re in the senior bracket. I think it’s fair to say that they’re more senior end than 21s end. But I think there’s always the option,” he added.

There is no word back on Mainoo’s desire to take Carsley up on the offer, but it could be a handy way for the United man to get some game time after a slow start to the campaign.

United and Mainoo

Back in Manchester, Mainoo’s future at the club looks to have been dealt another blow with the widespread reports United are making the signing of a midfielder a priority in next summer’s market.

Having come through the ranks at the club, supporters are desperate to see the young man succeed at Old Trafford and will hope any additions can work around, and with, Mainoo in the future.

With Casemiro’s time as a United player surely nearing its end and Fernandes now the wrong side of 30, it may be a case of Mainoo biding his time before he leaves his mark at the Theatre of Dreams.

Before then, he will need to keep his head down and stay on the right side of Amorim as he bids to win his place back in the first team over the course of the campaign.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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