Kobbie Mainoo’s future with Manchester United is a precarious one as the transfer window heads into its final days.
An Unexpected push to leave
Over the summer, Ruben Amorim revealed he had “big plans” for Mainoo – a testament to the the 20-year-old midfielder’s quality now but also his potential to grow even further.
In his first season at the helm at Old Trafford, having taken over from Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim initially preferred to play Mainoo in a midfield pivot in his 3-4-2-1, with some early success.
But as the campaign wore on, the Carrington graduate was trialled further forward, as both a number ten and false nine, with Bruno Fernandes dropping into central midfield in his place.
During the pre-season tour of the United States, Amorim appeared ready to redeploy Mainoo in the pivot – but Fernandes was to remain first-choice for the position after the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for the number tens roles.
This choice has maintained itself into the start of the season with Mainoo not playing a minute in either of the opening Premier League fixtures – against Arsenal at home and Fulham away – despite United pushing for a goal in both.
In the aftermath of the Fulham match, Amorim revealed Mainoo was in competition with Fernandes for the number eight position – a contest with only one winner – and stressed he would have to fight for his place on the pitch.
This uncertainty, over both his role in the team and the prospect of reduced playing time, subsequently led Mainoo to push for an exit, with the youngster requesting a loan move this week – one which was promptly rejected by United, who expect him to stay and fight for his place.
Interest from across Europe
There has been an explosion in interest in Mainoo following the shock update of his potential availability – with a price as low as £45 million floated.
Within the Premier League, Aston Villa, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle and Tottenham have all made advances, according to reports.
Further afield, La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have expressed interest while Italian champions Napoli are also in the hunt.
But, in a fresh twist, the i Paper reveals Juventus are also “monitoring the situation” as the September 1 deadline fast approaches.
Interestingly, Mainoo is believed to prefer a switch abroad were he to leave Old Trafford.
The increased emphasis on technical skill, and reduced physicality, of a league like Serie A would lend itself perfectly to Mainoo’s skillset as the 20-year-old continues to grow as a footballer, both in mind and body.
With this in mind, a move to the Old Lady would make a make a huge amount of sense for an English footballer with a typically European skillset.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
