Kobbie Mainoo is thought to be keen on leaving Manchester United in the winter as he seeks more game time.
While Mainoo had hoped to feature prominently this season, he has instead found himself still playing a peripheral role in Ruben Amorim’s United project.
Still, the United prodigy remains determined to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, set to take place across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
To do that, he needs consistent opportunities to showcase his immense quality, the same quality that saw Paul Scholes label him “special.”
While many believe he should be playing more, Amorim is resisting pressure to hand him that ample game time.
Earlier in the season, the Portuguese tactician suggested Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes were competing for the same role in United’s double midfield pivot.
With Fernandes preferred, Mainoo’s chances remain limited.
January transfer speculation
This limited role has reignited speculation that, as he did in the summer, Mainoo could request a loan move in January.
Although reports suggest INEOS and Amorim may block his exit, what if United concede that Mainoo does not fit this current project? What if they end up agreeing that letting him go is the better option?
Real Madrid among suitors
Should United opt to part ways, they will be inundated with interest. Several top European clubs are closely monitoring Mainoo’s situation.
One of those clubs is Real Madrid. The La Liga giants are reportedly ready to pounce should an opportunity arise.
Selling Mainoo at a reasonable fee could help United raise funds to pursue midfield targets like Angelo Stiller. But what if the Red Devils take a different route? What if they offer Mainoo in a swap deal for Madrid’s Endrick?
Endrick set for winter move
It has now been revealed that Real Madrid striker Endrick, who has struggled to break into Xabi Alonso’s setup, will be allowed to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this winter.
Like Mainoo, Endrick is highly rated. Dubbed the “next Pelé,” the Brazilian possesses undeniable talent but has not been given the platform to shine.
Eager to make Brazil’s World Cup squad, Endrick is expected to leave Madrid for a club where he can play regularly, prove his worth, and convince national team boss Carlo Ancelotti to trust him with a key role next summer.
With the Samba star expected to be on the move, several clubs, including United, are said to be positioning themselves strategically to win his race.
A brilliant swap deal
Madrid admire Mainoo. United want Endrick. Both are considered generational talents. Swapping one for the other could be a win-win.
Mainoo could reinvent himself in Spain, while Endrick could become the deputy to Benjamin Sesko that Amorim has hinted he is craving.
Joshua Zirkzee is expected to back up Sesko, but like Mainoo, he has not earned Amorim’s complete trust.
Beyond being a striking alternative, Endrick’s ability to operate as a right winger could make him a brilliant alternative to Bryan Mbeumo or Amad Diallo on the right.
Endrick’s brilliant dribbling, eye for goal, and explosive pace make him a potentially revolutionary capture.
But it is his strength, agility, and low centre of gravity that make him so difficult to dispossess in tight spaces, which could well see him emerge as a key asset in Amorim’s United project.
Featured image Denis Doyle 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.
