On July 15, the Manchester Evening News published an article stating that Mainoo's zero appearances in the FIFA World Cup were actually good news for both the player and Manchester United.

The Manchester Evening News analyzed that Mainoo had put in tremendous effort to be selected for England's FIFA World Cup squad, but has yet to play a single minute. He, along with Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney, are the only three outfield players in the England squad who have not had an opportunity to play in the FIFA World Cup.

Even more perplexing is that when Tuchel arranged his midfield selections, he gave playing time to 36-year-old Henderson and makeshift right-back Reece James, rather than Mainoo.

There was an opportunity to bring Mainoo on during the group stage. In England's 0-0 draw with Ghana, a player like Mainoo was desperately needed in the second half to control the tempo, but Tuchel brought on Henderson in the final stages instead.

Henderson rejoined the Premier League last year from Ajax and Al-Ettifaq, signing with Brentford. His inclusion in the England squad was already surprising, so when Tuchel chose to use him instead of Mainoo, the outside world was even more puzzled.

Things got worse in the quarter-final against Norway—Tuchel once again played Reece James in central midfield. The Chelsea full-back had been sidelined with a hamstring injury after the group stage match against Ghana, but upon his first substitute appearance after recovering, he was deployed directly in the center. Tuchel explained this decision by saying: "We put Reece James at number 6, which freed up Elliott Anderson to play at number 8, and Bellingham went back to number 10."

Of course, making tough decisions is Tuchel's job. But even the most ardent Liverpool or Manchester City fans would not choose Henderson or Reece James to replace Mainoo in midfield. Unless Mainoo's training performance was poor or there were locker room issues, there is no justification for Tuchel's selection choices. And based on past experience, Mainoo is simply not that kind of player.

Even when he wasn't playing under Amorim, Mainoo's commitment in training was never an issue. On the contrary, he redoubled his efforts to try and change Amorim's mind.

When the squad was announced before the FIFA World Cup, Tuchel hinted at a role for Mainoo. But so far, Mainoo's closest appearance has only been singing "The Wonderwall" with his teammates after matches. Considering England has entered the crucial knockout stage, it's highly unlikely Mainoo will get any playing time – how could Tuchel field a player he's never used before in a semi-final or final?

Manchester United fans are entirely justified in questioning Tuchel's decisions, but on the other hand, this at least significantly reduces Mainoo's risk of injury before the new season and ensures he can approach the 2026-27 season in the best possible condition after a rest.

Zero appearances in the FIFA World Cup will have no impact on Mainoo's standing at Manchester United. Carrick knows better than anyone what this academy graduate can contribute. For Mainoo, missing out on FIFA World Cup playing time is certainly disappointing – after all, after his Euro 2024 debut, he had set the goal of being selected for the FIFA World Cup squad – but he has experienced tougher moments in his career, such as his situation during the first half of Amorim's tenure at Manchester United.

Looking back at the first half of the 2025-26 season, Mainoo told an English reporter in the US: "That period was really tough. But I tried to focus on the present, take it day by day, keep honing my skills, and give my all for the team, and I believed everything would work out. Thankfully, it did." When asked if he should thank Carrick for his inclusion in the FIFA World Cup squad, he said: "Of course. I told him I'm especially grateful. If he hadn't given me playing time, I wouldn't be here at all. I'll always be grateful to him."

Even without playing, Mainoo is still part of this England squad. If the Three Lions can end their 60-year wait, he will also receive a winner's medal. Although his situation is somewhat strange – the players ahead of him are not entirely reasonable – at 21, he still has plenty of opportunities to participate in more international competitions, and next year, he will play a key role at Manchester United.

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