How Man Utd can get the best out of Mainoo with third midfield signing

After a successful 2025/26 campaign under Michael Carrick’s guidance, Manchester United entered the transfer window with one goal – improve the central midfield department.

Casemiro’s departure from Old Trafford only heightened the need for added reinforcements, with numerous big-money targets appearing on the hierarchy’s radar.

Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes all appeared as key targets, but all of the aforementioned trio joined other Premier League sides this summer.

The Red Devils have since turned their attention elsewhere in recent weeks, subsequently completing moves for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively.

Despite the two recent additions at the Theatre of Dreams, Carrick and INEOS have continued their efforts to find a new partner for one current senior squad member.

What’s next for Kobbie Mainoo after England World Cup snub?

After Carrick’s temporary appointment as United boss, academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo was once again handed an opportunity to shine in the senior ranks.

The Englishman started all but one of the Red Devils’ games since the 44-year-old’s arrival – leading to a place within Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup.

However, the 21-year-old was only one of two outfield players in the squad who failed to feature for a single minute throughout the entire tournament in America.

Such a situation will no doubt be a blow to the confidence of the midfielder, but Mainoo will desperately have a point to prove upon his return to Premier League action.

He showcased during his recent spell under Carrick that he’s capable of producing the goods – as seen by his tally of 1.1 successful dribbles per 90, which ranks him in the top 6% of players in England’s top-flight.

The youngster was often the tempo setter for United at the base of the midfield, subsequently completing 90% of his attempted passes at an average of 51 per 90.

However, if Mainoo is to continue his impressive form for the Red Devils in the Premier League, he will need an added defensive option alongside him at the heart of the side.

Why United’s £42m target would be perfect for Mainoo

The signings of Santos and Tielemans this window will inject added quality into Carrick’s side, but there’s no denying both players are extremely similar to Mainoo.

The aforementioned duo are both more comfortable with the ball at their feet than without, which has highlighted the need for an added ball-winner in the weeks ahead.

The recruitment team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes in recent weeks to try and identify the calibre of player needed to fill the defensive void.

Roma star Manu Kone has emerged as the club’s latest target, with journalist Ben Jacobs providing an update on the current hunt to land the French international.

Speaking on Thursday to the United Stand, the journalist said: “The Kone situation is they’ve [United] enquired about him on the player’s side and they like him.

“The player would be open to a move, but we have to wait and see what happens at a club to club sense because we’re not there yet.”

A fee in the region of €50m (£42m) has been mooted to secure the 25-year-old’s signature – a deal which could prove to be a bargain for Carrick’s men this summer.

His stats from the ongoing World Cup highlight his quality without the ball, which could make him the perfect partner for Mainoo at the base of the Red Devils’ midfield.

The Frenchman featured five times during the tournament in America and managed to make a staggering 5.8 ball recoveries and 1.6 tackles per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures highlight his tremendous ball-winning ability – something which will be music to the ears of Mainoo as he attempts to maintain his starting position at Old Trafford.

Kone also managed to win 4.2 ground duels and was only dribbled past 0.4 times per 90 – numbers which further highlight his excellent ability to disrupt the opposition’s flow.

His tally of 2.7 defensive contributions per 90 only reaffirm his excellent ability without the ball – backing up Thierry Henry’s praise that he’s “one of the best midfielders out there.”

United’s interest in Kone highlights the hierarchy’s ambitions of adding a top-level defensive operator to the heart of the side despite the recent moves for Santos and Tielemans.

It would be no surprise to see Mainoo continue at the base of Carrick’s side, and a partnership of the Englishman and the French star would set the club up for success in the years ahead.