The midfielder became a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag, scoring in United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final. His prospects changed after Ten Hag was replaced by Amorim, however, with Mainoo frequently left on the bench.
Although he made 40 appearances under the Portuguese coach, many came as a substitute. During the first half of last season, he did not complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League.
Mainoo even requested a loan move in August 2025, believing regular football would be difficult to secure. Manchester United refused to sanction his departure, continuing to view the academy graduate as an important part of their plans.
A calf injury shortly before Christmas then interrupted his campaign further. By the time he recovered, Amorim had left the club and Michael Carrick was in charge.
Carrick handed Mainoo a starting role in the Manchester derby in January, and the midfielder went on to establish himself alongside Casemiro. Their partnership helped United secure a return to the Champions League.
Speaking to former midfield great Clarence Seedorf ahead of United’s trip to Atletico Madrid, Mainoo reflected on what he had learned during the frustrating period.
“I learned a lot off the pitch, like patience. It helped me get into a routine a lot, you know,” he said.
“I can only control what I can control, which is my routines, what I am doing away from the pitch so I can stay sharp and try and stay fit. I think that helped me a lot as well with discipline.”
Mainoo admitted that remaining patient was difficult when he was not playing, particularly when the season seemed to offer no obvious end to his wait.
“No, it was not easy. When you are not playing, the season feels long and even if you don’t see an end to it, you have to keep training and working like the next game is the one. So that’s the main thing, staying ready,” he said.
His return to prominence has vindicated United’s decision to retain him, although the midfielder’s immediate availability is now a concern. Mainoo missed Monday’s training session alongside Luke Shaw and is set to miss Tuesday’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
After enduring a spell in which opportunities were scarce, Mainoo has shown that patience can pay off. His challenge now is to regain fitness and maintain the consistency that made him such an important player under Carrick.