While Manchester United continue their rebuild with other impactful signings, they must also ensure they retain their brightest young talent. One of those talents at risk of leaving is Kobbie Mainoo. With no European football this season and an early Carabao Cup exit, United have had fewer fixtures to rotate their squad. As a result, Mainoo has been one of the “biggest” casualties. He has struggled for opportunities to prove his worth, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro consistently preferred as the midfield pivot. United boss Ruben Amorim hinted that Mainoo is Fernandes’ alternative. Yet, given the brilliance of the Portuguese playmaker, it is understandable that the youngster finds it difficult to dislodge him from United’s starting XI. So far, Mainoo has managed only 138 minutes of Premier League action, despite United playing over 990 minutes in total. Unsurprisingly, frustration has begun to creep in. Reports suggest that, just as he did last summer, he may once again push for a loan move in January. INEOS’ intriguing stance on Mainoo’s future Amid uncertainty over whether he will be allowed to leave, a fresh update has emerged regarding the midfielder’s long‑term future. “They’ve been in talks with Mainoo for a while now over a new contract. Suggestions are now that contract talks have been put on hold because of his uncertain future at Old Trafford,” revealed Peter O’Rourke in his Football Insider column. O’Rourke added, “For United, on their part, they don’t really want to lose Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s why they blocked the move in the summer window. Obviously, I think they’d be reluctant to let him go in January as well because United want to be competing in that top four, if they can.” A tricky situation and motivation for suitors Mainoo’s situation is undeniably tricky. He is not playing regularly, yet the club insist they want him to stay. At the same time, they have paused contract extension talks, sending mixed signals. Will Mainoo truly believe he can make it at United? He is bound to question his future at the club. INEOS, meanwhile, are playing a dangerous game. Despite his struggles to break into Amorim’s starting XI, Mainoo is a player they should have tied down to a long‑term deal already. Yes, his current contract runs until 2027, with United holding the option to extend for another year. But offering him improved terms now would not only demonstrate faith in his talent, it would also strengthen United’s bargaining power should they eventually decide to sell. United’s latest move might leave Mainoo unsure about his future with the club. It exposes the club’s doubts about keeping him, doubts that his suitors will be eager to exploit. Featured image George Wood 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.
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