£50m flop “set to leave” United, CL club will open talks to agree January deal – report

Much has been made about Kobbie Mainoo facing a bleak future under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The United academy product, considered one of the side’s most technically gifted players, is still waiting for his first start in the Premier League. Mainoo, who started the final of Euro 2024, has been restricted to just 171 minutes in the league. Accordingly, the England international is pushing for a move away from Old Trafford in January. Interestingly, he is not the only midfielder struggling under Amorim. Ruben Amorim reprimanded Manuel Ugarte Manuel Ugarte earned a notable move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 after impressing at Sporting CP under Amorim’s guidance.  However, during the end-of-season meeting at Carrington in May, the United head coach slammed Ugarte for his work rate and said he did not recognise him as the same player from their stint in Lisbon. Amorim’s opinion of the Uruguayan has been reflected in his team selection, as the 24-year-old has started just twice in the league this campaign. His last start came against Brentford in September. Galatasaray considering January approach for Ugarte According to Turkish journalist Erol Evcen, Galatasaray are “closely monitoring” Ugarte’s situation at United.  It is boldly claimed that the number 25 is “set to part ways” with United, having only moved to Manchester from the French capital last year in a deal worth around £50m, including add-ons. Galatasaray will reportedly “knock on United’s door” for the Uruguay international in the winter transfer window.  Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the Red Devils will listen to offers for Ugarte in January. However, any deal could hinge on whether United can find a suitable replacement, as Amorim cannot rely on the ageing Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro to play regularly.  Featured image Marc Atkins via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!