It is still hard to get your head around the reality that had Mainoo been granted his wish, he would be playing for Napoli now – or that if United had not changed their manager in January, he would have been pushing for an alternative loan move.
One of the most bizarre aspects of Amorim’s tenure was that it robbed United of not only a homegrown player but one of a limited number capable of being part of a team that could deliver enough positive results to get them into the Champions League.
Mainoo did not start a Premier League game under Amorim this season. Apart from one because of injury, he has not failed to start one since he left.
Captain Bruno Fernandes could break the Premier League assist record this season but had Amad Diallo finished as he should have done against Brentford on Monday, Mainoo would have got the assist of the season for his mazy dribble and lay-off in the opening minutes.
At 21, he still has much to learn, with much development to come. That is the key point, though.
Mainoo is nowhere near the finished article but is already one of England’s top midfielders; not a prolific scorer, or a brutal tackler, but someone with the priceless ability to take the ball in tight spaces, find a way out and move it on.
Few with any connection to United will not welcome this news. A local lad, with the world at his feet, committed to Old Trafford for another five years.