Thomas Tuchel apologises to Manchester United star after World Cup snub

Thomas Tuchel apologised to Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo at a Friday press conference, acknowledging his hurtful decision not to play the 21‑year‑old at the World Cup where he was the only United star, apart from goalkeeper James Trafford, to see no minutes.

Two Man Utd stars made Tuchel’s England squad: midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and forward Marcus Rashford. Third‑choice goalkeeper James Trafford was the only other United player who did not feature at the World Cup.

The 21‑year‑old arrived at the finals after a strong end to the United season and seemed poised to succeed Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in central midfield. Yet Tuchel favoured dropping Jude Bellingham or Eberechi Eze into deeper roles, even considering right‑back Reece James in the centre.

Tuchel told reporters, ‘It was totally on me, he did not put a foot wrong at the World Cup. He was class in behaviour and on the training pitch.’ The omission was heavily criticised throughout the Three Lions’ run to third place, and an injury before the France third‑place play‑off denied Mainoo any minutes, a regret he called difficult for both.

Harry Kane matches Shilton's record and scores twice for England

England squad for September/October 2026

The England roster for the September/October 2026 international window features three goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele and James Trafford – and a midfield that includes Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Alex Scott. Up front, Harry Kane leads the attack alongside Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka.

Manchester United’s domestic slump

Manchester United have endured an awful start to the season, winning just one of their opening four Premier League games. They were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton despite leading 2‑0 after ten minutes, and now travel to win‑less Fulham on Sunday before the international break.

Tuchel’s apology underscores the delicate balance between club form and international opportunity, and Mainoo will look to prove his worth when the Red Lions reconvene for the Nations League. United will hope the break revitalises their squad ahead of the crucial Fulham clash.