Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo gave the club a reminder of what they’ve been missing and stand to lose out on, even as the side fell to a humiliating defeat to Grimsby Town.
United lose to Grimsby United have been dumped out of the EFL Cup in the second round by League Two outfit Grimsby at Blundell Park.
Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren scored first-half strikes to give United a mountain to climb heading into the break. Eager to inspire a comeback, Ruben Amorim made three personnel changes, bringing on Matthijs de Ligt, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes for Patrick Dorgu, Tyler Fredricson and Manuel Ugarte.
The substitutes made some difference and United pulled a goal back with 15 minutes to go through Mbeumo.
Harry Maguire then headed in a late equaliser for the Red Devils with just a few minutes of regular time left on the clock.
However, it didn’t matter too much to United as they fell to defeat on penalties, with Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo missing their spot-kicks in the mammoth shootout.
The defeat extended what has been a poor start to the season for United. United have yet to register a win, having lost and drawn to Arsenal and Fulham respectively in the Premier League.
A number of stars failed to turn up against Grimsby, but one who gave a decent account of himself is Mainoo.
Mainoo does well against Grimsby Mainoo’s future has been the subject of intense speculation over the past few days amidst suggestions that he is open to leaving the club.
He was an unused substitute vs. Arsenal and Fulham, sparking fresh doubts over his long-term role under Amorim.
The England international has been linked to a host of clubs including Napoli, Newcastle, Fulham, Brighton, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
It appears his situation is poised to go down to the wire but against Grimsby, he reminded United why it’s in their best interests to keep him.
He won 100% of the aerial duels he delved into and came out on top in 100% of the tackles he made.
Mainoo was heavily involved when United were in possession. He touched the ball 81 times and delivered 12 passes into the final third.
He successfully connected with six of the nine long balls he aimed. Mainoo embarked on three dribbles and created two changes.
The highlight of the 20-year-old’s game was his assist for Mbeumo’s strike. Mainoo also made one clearance.
Kobbie Mainoos game by numbers vs. Grimsby:
100% aerial duels won
100% tackles won
81 total touches
12 passes into the final third
9 attempted long passes
6 successful long passes
3 take-ons
2 chances created
1 clearance
1 assist
First start of the season. pic.twitter.com/1xQirw89mU
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 27, 2025
United are back in action on Saturday when they host Burnley at Old Trafford.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
