(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The future of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been a topic of great speculation over the past few months, as he continues to starve for playing time.
The 20-year-old is considered one of the most exciting players to emerge from Carrington in recent years. But after making his senior-squad breakthrough under Ruben Amorim, the youngster has been struggling for prominence since the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
This season, the Portuguese manager made it clear that Mainoo is vying for a starting role with Bruno Fernandes. Unsurprisingly, the club captain has been selected on every occasion in the first seven matchdays of the Premier League, while the Englishman has yet to earn a start.
Will Kobbie Mainoo leave Man Utd in January?
In recent weeks, Mainoo has been growing increasingly ‘unhappy’ with his situation at the club. He had already asked the management to send him out on loan in late August, but his request was denied. Nevertheless, many expect him to make a similar plea in January if his status doesn’t drastically change in the coming weeks.
However, ESPN writer Rob Dawson is tipping Mainoo to stay at Man Utd, at least until the end of the season.
“I don’t see him leaving,” said the journalist during his appearance on the United Stand when asked about the midfielder’s chances of sealing a January exit.
🗣 @RobDawsonESPN on Kobbie Mainoo: “I don’t see him leaving (in January).” [@UnitedStandMUFC] pic.twitter.com/3GmonBDRUp
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 10, 2025
It will be either Amorim or Mainoo at Man United next season
On the contrary, Dawson believes Mainoo could genuinely leave the Red Devils next summer if Amorim were to be confirmed. “I can see that,” reckoned the ESPN writer.
At this stage, it is becoming painfully clear that he’ll struggle to break into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, at least as long as Bruno is occupying the No.8 role.
While the United fanbase would be left devastated by the academy product’s departure, the hierarchy must release him for his own good, as his stint under the Portuguese tactician is doing more harm than good to his development.
