Wes Brown warns Manchester United could lose academy star Mainoo

Despite their recent slip-up against Nottingham Forest, which saw Manchester United drop two points at the City Ground after a late Amad Diallo equaliser spared Ruben Amorim’s blushes, United have started to find their feet in recent weeks. Much of that progress is down to the form of Bryan Mbeumo and his growing partnership with Diallo on the right side.

However, United still have issues throughout the squad, particularly in midfield, an area clearly in need of strengthening. Meanwhile, the future of Kobbie Mainoo remains uncertain, as he continues to struggle to find his place in Amorim’s plans this season. We caught up with former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, who shared his thoughts on all of the above ahead of the upcoming international break.

Mbeumo and Amad will be missed - but AFCON is important

One of the most exciting partnerships in the Premier League right now can be found in the Manchester United side, within Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system - a setup that has faced heavy scrutiny since his arrival at the club a year ago. In recent weeks, Mbeumo - operating in the right-sided No.10 role - has struck up a fluid connection with Amad Diallo at right wing-back, a combination that has played a huge role in United’s resurgence.

With the African Cup of Nations around the corner, fans are now concerned about how the absence of both Mbeumo and Diallo could affect United’s momentum.

“Of course Amad and Mbeumo will be a loss but this happens all the time and it’s normal. You have to be able to adapt. At the end of the day, the lads have to go off and play for their countries. It’s as simple as that. You can’t expect them not to do that. Then it’s about how United adapt.”

“That’s up to the manager which will be tough because between Amad and Mbeumo, that right side could become a problem for many teams because they’ll be unsure of who to mark, who to stop allowing to get the ball. Defenders will have to deal with the fact that both players can take their defender on.”

As is well publicised, the African Cup of Nations takes place during the domestic football season, but it remains a tournament of immense importance and pride for African players plying their trade overseas. Brown believes it’s something United must learn to cope with, while also stressing the need for clubs to respect the competition and the players’ desire to represent their countries.

“They will be a big loss but that’s why you’ve got a squad. No player should be made to feel as though they can’t play for their country because it’s a big tournament for them and something they should be involved in.”

Wharton understands the game like Carrick

Manchester United have been linked with several central midfielders in recent weeks, including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson, and Carlos Baleba, following the club’s summer interest in strengthening the position. Given that Wharton is 1/1 to make England’s World Cup squad, which you can back if you so desire using our bet365 bonus code, it makes sense that he’s getting a lot of attention.

Among United fans, there’s growing talk of Wharton potentially being the next Michael Carrick, a player who spent much of his career underappreciated by both fans and England managers, yet whose influence has been increasingly recognised in recent years. Brown, who played alongside Carrick, sees strong similarities between the two.

“I had this talk with my mates in a group chat, and Wharton was the main one. I have been telling people for years… You remember when we had Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard for England. No one can mess with that, but you need one of them next to Carrick, don`t you?”

“Don't get me wrong, no manager would split that up, but Carrick was the one understanding the game, a bit like Busquets. We played with him last week. Just give him the ball and give him time.”

“If you get a player like that, who understands what he is supposed to do.. Some players try too much, like Bruno did as well. For me, Wharton does it excellent. He is young, but he does it very, very well.”

Mainoo might have to find football elsewhere

The future of Kobbie Mainoo remains uncertain following a summer in which United blocked any potential loan move. The midfielder has made clear his desire for regular football this season, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon, yet has struggled for minutes under Amorim. Fans and pundits alike are puzzled by his lack of game time and are eager to see more of the talented academy graduate.

“I love Kobbie Mainoo. I love him. During games this season I’ve been thinking, he’s not playing again. He’s got such a talent and you ask any fan and they’ll say they want to see more of him and don’t want him to go anywhere. We know how good he can be but the manager is asking different things of him and has said Bruno is playing in his role. We all know that no one is getting in ahead of Bruno.”

“No one wants Kobbie to go anywhere but eventually it does get to a point where he needs to play. It will be tough and I only hope that he and the manager are on terms. Where the manager is telling him what he needs to do to get back in the team. You want to see academy players come through and when Kobbie is on the pitch he brings something. To play for England he will need regular football so it’s tough right now. I hope the manager can give him more time. Kobbie has done nothing wrong.”

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