Mainoo learned 'patience' from difficult spell under Amorim

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo says he was focusing on his "dream" of playing in the World Cup, despite struggling for game time under previous head coach Ruben Amorim.

Mainoo was not fancied as United toiled under Amorim and did not start a Premier League match until Michael Carrick took charge in January. Since then he started all 16 games he was available for, playing the full 90 minutes on 15 occasions as the Red Devils stormed to a third-place finish.

"At the time it wasn't coming as often as I'd like so when I was getting a game for United that's all my focus was on," Mainoo told media from England's pre-World Cup training camp.

"Obviously you know the World Cup is at the end of the year and that is a big dream and big goal for any player.

Asked what he has learned over a difficult campaign at times, Mainoo added: "I think patience, just trying to take things a day at a time and just doing the best at controlling the things I can control and now worrying about the things that are out of my control. Keep my head down and keep working."

The 21-year-old played a key role in the Three Lions' run to the Euro 2024 final, and believes he can carry his fine late season club form into the summer with his country.

"Try and do what I've been doing for my club, trying to control games and dominate games," he responded when asked what he brings that sets him apart from the other midfielders at Thomas Tuchel's disposal.

"It's my dream to be here so I'm going to be working as hard as I can and hopefully I can get on the pitch."