The Scary Quiet at Old Trafford: Manchester United’s Young Star Faces an Uncertain Path

Butt\'s Warning Over a Rising Star

Former England star Nicky Butt has warned that Manchester United\'s young talent, Koby Maino, is at risk of wasting his gifts, describing his situation as frightening given his ongoing omission from the starting lineup under manager Ruben Amorim.

From Prominence to Benched

Maino, 20, had captured attention during the 2023/24 season under Erik ten Hag, featuring in 32 games across competitions, earning England selection for Euro 2024 and securing a regular place in Gareth Southgate\'s squad, even starting the final against Spain.

But this season his status has shifted. Amorim\'s arrival at Old Trafford has not helped the youngster; his place in the manager\'s plans has dwindled, with all eight of his Premier League appearances coming as a substitute and only nine appearances overall.

Butt, who previously ran the academy where Maino developed, lamented the decline, saying his talent could have drawn tens of millions if he were at a smaller club.

A freakish talent, Butt says, Maino has caught the eye and proven he can compete at the highest level.

He told Sky Sports he is worried because Maino broke into the England squad at 18 or 19 and was among the Euros\' best; Butt has known him since he was seven in the academy and knows the size of his talent.

He added that the scary thing is that if Maino were playing for Crystal Palace, United would be paying 60 or 70 million to sign him; it\'s very concerning that he\'s not playing now; he does not know the reasons but insists he is talented, and that at any other big club except City, Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea, United would be pursuing him in January for 50–60 million.

He continued that the team knows the talent Maino possesses and that wasting it would be a pity; Maino is a player United needs, and Butt recalls seeing him come on against Everton and urging him to show what he has.

Amorim has recently spoken about the futures of players who do not get minutes, including Maino and Josh Zierkzy, who are linked with January loan moves. The coach said the club comes first, and that he wants players to be happy while understanding the disappointment, especially with the World Cup approaching, but United comes first; if he can help them and the club he will, otherwise he will prioritize the team.

Two light notes to end: If talent were a loan, this kid would be paying interest in January. The club should stop digging in the wrong hedges; even a Magic 8-Ball would probably answer soon: ask again later about Maino.