Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s bizarre substitution calls were partly to blame as the Red Devils were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
With the scores tied at 1-1, the Portuguese tactician opted to bring on two centre-halves instead of Kobbie Mainoo or Joshua Zirkzee.
The Englishman is yet to see a single minute of action this season, even though the 20-time English league champions needed more attacking impetus in both games.
This has greatly disappointed him, and rumours have since emerged that the Carrington graduate is open to leaving his boyhood club.
Lack of minutes
And that has meant a number of clubs have begun circling around the wonderkid, with SportsBoom claiming as many as five Premier League clubs have entered the race.
Brentford are eyeing a loan move, with the London team needing a new midfielder before the window slams shut. Brighton, Leeds and Fulham are also interested in the 20-year-old.
Thomas Frank, who lost James Maddison to a knee injury, has also instructed Tottenham Hotspur to join the race for the United No.37.
“Brentford are preparing an audacious loan move for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. The Bees are among of a number of top flight clubs readying a loan move for the player heading into the final days of the transfer window.
Five-team melee for Mainoo’s signature
“It is understood that the West London club are still looking to bolster their squad before the window slams shut, with a central midfielder and central defender to of their priority list.
“Mainoo is seen as the perfect partner in the centre of midfield for former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson with his ability to drive the ball forward.
“But Brentford bosses face stiff competition from other Premier League outfits. Not least former chief Thomas Frank, who is desperate for a creative midfielder at Spurs after James Maddison’s unfortunate knee injury.
“Fulham are also keeping tabs on the player’s situation, with Brighton and Leeds United interested in making a move.”
Why Amorim hasn’t turned to him
The problem for Kobbie Mainoo is that Amorim does not feel he has the requisite pace and physicality to thrive as a defensive midfielder in his system, and as a result, he is seen as a backup for the No.8 position currently occupied by Bruno Fernandes.
The head coach had mentioned earlier that the England international is at his most dangerous closer to goal, but following Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha’s arrival, there is very little chance he regularly gets to play as one of the attacking midfielders.
INEOS are keen not to lose him anytime soon, and hence have planned to meet him and his representatives soon to sort out his future. The United faithful would be devastated if they lose one of their crown jewels.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
