European giant plots January raid for United’s “amazing” midfield maestro, fans will be devastated – ESPN

Kobbie Mainoo has endured a sharp turn in fortunes following Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United last season.

It was only a year ago that the Englishman was considered the next big thing to emerge out of Carrington.

Fresh from scoring against Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final, Mainoo was expected to be the focal point of an Old Trafford renaissance under Erik ten Hag.

However, the Dutchman’s pursuit of the promised land ended in a whimper three months into the season, with Amorim targeted as his replacement in November.

Mainoo was initially in the thick of things under the Portuguese head coach, starting two of his first four games in charge. Things have not gone according to plans since, however.

Mainoo struggling to fit into Amorim’s system

One of Mainoo’s major problems right now is that he is not a natural fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. The Portuguese head coach has deployed the 20 year old in midfield and in attack with mixed effect so far.

Mainoo had concerns about his game time over the summer, which is why he apparently asked to leave on loan this summer.

The idea was not to leave Old Trafford permanently, but to gather first team action elsewhere and stay in contention for a place in The Three Lions’ squad for the World Cup next summer.

Napoli were apparently eager to secure his services on a temporary basis but United refused to entertain any talk of his departure.

However, according to ESPN, a loan move to the Diego Armanda Maradona Stadium could be back on at the turn of the year if Mainoo’s situation fails to improve.

Interestingly, the Red Devils would want to rope in a replacement if that happens, but finding a new face in mid-season might not be easy.

Mainoo will have one eye on the World Cup

Mainoo’s concerns over the summer now appears justified as he has failed to make it into Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers.

ESPN add that the Englishman was first worried about his situation in January this year, especially after reports emerged that the club are willing to consider offers for him and Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine has already moved to Chelsea this summer on a permanent deal. Interestingly, Rasmus Hojlund also left Old Trafford this summer on loan to Napoli.

In February 2024, Garnacho scored the first of his two goals in the 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford and chose to sit on the advertisement hoarding.

He was joined by Mainoo and Hojlund, and the trio lapped up the attention from the Stretford End. That iconic image of three young United stars captivated fans and generated hopes of a promising future ahead.

Of the trio, only Mainoo remains – for now.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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