What Amorim has now done that’s left Mainoo convinced his United fate is all but sealed – report

As the winter transfer window fast approaches, one Manchester United player under the spotlight is Kobbie Mainoo. As talented and highly rated as he is, Mainoo has yet to secure a place in Ruben Amorim’s starting XI. The midfield prodigy has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch, which is now beginning to harm his development. Keen to change his fortunes and with hopes of earning a recall to the England national team as he targets Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, Mainoo is reportedly considering a temporary move away from United in January. While a departure seems increasingly likely, the question remains: should Mainoo exercise patience, as Joshua Zirkzee has done? After all, Zirkzee was also heavily linked with an exit, but is now being given opportunities and is even keen to stay. Mainoo frustrated by Amorim’s latest decision Dean Jones, via Teamtalk, has made an intriguing claim about whether Mainoo thinks his situation could change at United. The transfer guru suggests that watching Zirkzee and even Ayden Heaven get their opportunities while he continues to be overlooked has only deepened Mainoo’s frustration. Jones explains: “Mainoo has had to watch on while Joshua Zirkzee and Ayden Heaven have started to become a more integral part of the first team recently. “There are mitigating circumstances, with Zirkzee’s chances arising due to Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury, for example, though it is believed to be seen as further proof to Mainoo that his own chances are not coming.” Zirkzee, who had also been struggling for game time, has now started three of United’s last four league matches. Meanwhile, Heaven, who has also been on the periphery, has forced his way in, starting the last two league games. Yet Mainoo has yet to make a single United league start this season, even as fans continue to push for him to be involved more. Amorim’s stubbornness, refusing to bow to pressure by playing Mainoo, yet handing opportunities to fringe players such as Zirkzee and Heaven, may well intensify the young midfielder’s desire to push for a January exit. Mainoo may have to force his way out Last summer, Mainoo requested a loan move but was denied. Now, Jones further admits: “Mainoo has been aware of Napoli’s interest for some time and realises he will have to play his own role in making any transfer come true.” “While there are no suggestions he’ll do anything drastic, it is believed he’ll push more forcefully for a move next month.” All eyes on Mainoo Former United stars Nicky Butt, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have all advised Mainoo to leave Old Trafford. Their counsel, combined with Amorim’s preference for Zirkzee and Heaven, has only weakened United’s hopes of retaining the wonderkid. It is undoubtedly a shame that things have not worked out for Mainoo under Amorim, especially after he showed such promise under Erik ten Hag. Whether he departs in January to rediscover his brilliance elsewhere remains to be seen. Featured image Alex Livesey 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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.