Kobbie Mainoo might be struggling for playing time, but his situation at Manchester United isn’t as gloomy as many are painting it.
The 20-year-old lost his starting spot since the arrival of Ruben Amorim last November. Earlier this season, the Portuguese tactician explained that Mainoo will have to fight for a starting place against Bruno Fernandes.
Needless to say, this duel was never going to favour the England star, who has only made three appearances in the Premier League this season, all coming off the bench.
Kobbie Mainoo has already won over Amorim & Co
The youngster had already requested a loan move last August after realising that his chances of earning a starting spot had shrunk following the arrival of three new forwards, which resulted in a deeper role for Bruno.
Therefore, some sources in the British media expect Mainoo to try to slip away from the door once in January, especially if Amorim is still at the helm. His main suitors in the summer were Napoli, Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, Manchester United journalist Sully insists that the England international can still play an instrumental role in the current regime.
In his latest update on the Centre Devils, the Carrington insider reveals that Mainoo has left quite an impression on Amorim and his staff with his great professionalism and overall attitude. The Man Utd coaches are said to be ‘extremely impressed’ by the young player.
Mainoo’s potential new role could be key to Starting XI return
Sully adds that the midfielder is highly regarded at the club, and is now considered a role model for every United youngster who aspires to rise through the ranks and break into the first team.
In recent days, it has been revealed that the technical staff have been working on transforming Mainoo into a number 6. This manoeuvre would allow him to earn more playing time, as he’d be competing with the less-than-inspiring Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, rather than Bruno.
But if this plan doesn’t bear its fruits, and the youngster fails to regain a starting spot, then a January move would well become a genuine possibility.
