Laurie Whitwell: Relationship between Amorim and Mainoo decoded, United’s January plans for wonderkid revealed

Manchester United thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 at the Molineux on Monday, climbing to sixth spot in the Premier League table in the process. A brace from skipper Bruno Fernandes, and goals from Bryan Mbeumo, and Mason Mount ensured a handsome win, but there was disappointment in store for one Carrington graduate. Ruben Amorim only turned to Kobbie Mainoo in the 78th minute of the contest, which once again showed the lack of trust the head coach has in the youngster. The Englishman enjoyed a decent cameo, completing 93 percent of his passes including one into the final third (via fotmob). However, it is clear that he is behind Casemiro and the club captain in the pecking order. Kobbie Mainoo and Amorim don’t see eye to eye It is at the Molineux where he had announced his arrival in style a couple of seasons ago. From United’s FA Cup hero, and England’s Euro superstar, the midfield ace’s fall from grace under the Portuguese tactician has been tough to see. He had asked to depart in the summer, but INEOS had turned down his request. He is likely to approach the co-owners again. There is growing interest in the England international’s services, and thankfully for the 20-time English league champions, the 20-year-old only wants a temporary exit instead of a permanent one. Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic revealed that there has been a complete breakdown in relations between Amorim and Kobbie Mainoo. However, given the imminent departures of three key players for the Africa Cup of Nations, INEOS are likely to wait till the tournament’s completion before taking a call. That is because Amorim is likely to turn to the Stockport-born ace in the meantime, and should he impress, a change in plans cannot be ruled out. Decision will have to wait till AFCON When asked if Amorim and Mainoo have a good relationship, the journalist told Stretford Paddock, “Amorim and Mainoo? No. I get the sense that nothing will be decided until after AFCON. “United will see how that goes, even if he might want to start earlier, getting more minutes regularly, it’s ultimately the clubs call. I would anticipate that picture becoming more clear later in January, after mid-January onwards. “Napoli had interest in him last summer and I sense abroad is where he’d like to go if we were to get a move away on loan.” Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo hardly makes sense, unless there is something more than what meets the eye. An intriguing January window awaits for both Mainoo and United. Feature image Glyn Kirk 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25