Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United has been subject to speculation since the beginning of this year.
The Englishman rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and found prominence under former manager Erik ten Hag.
However, Mainoo’s situation changed drastically following the arrival of Ruben Amorim at the Theatre of Dreams. From being the face of the future, the 20 year old was soon fighting for his place under the Portuguese coach.
Mainoo was linked with an exit in the January transfer window as well, but a move never materialised. However, things have taken a turn for the worse since the start of the new season.
The arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has seen Bruno Fernandes pushed down to the midfield from his previous No. 10. Consequently, Mainoo lost his place in the team.
Wanted to leave this summer
Mainoo was an unused substitute for the first two games of the new season, with Amorim opting for a midfield partnership of Bruno and Casemiro. The Englishman was in the starting XI against Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, which the Red Devils lost, before returning to the bench in the following game against Fulham.
Mainoo, understandably, was frustrated by the situation and reportedly asked to leave in the final weeks of the summer. The youngster wanted to depart on loan to secure regular football, in a bid to stay in contention for a place in the England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelsea were reportedly interested in Mainoo’s signature over the summer, but the Red Devils refused to let him go. Interestingly, the Englishman is yet to start a game in the Premier League this season, and his situation remains fragile.
Amorim has acknowledged that the youngster is competing with Bruno for a place in the team, which has further complicated matters.
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are eyeing a January move for Mainoo, who reportedly has a €90m price on his head. Newcastle United, Napoli, and Manchester City are in the race as well.
United want Mainoo to stay
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, however, United have no desire to let Mainoo leave in the middle of the season.
“We reported in the summer window that Newcastle were one of the clubs that were looking at Mainoo,” said O’Rourke.
“So obviously that interest hasn’t really gone away and they will continue to monitor his situation at Old Trafford.
“United obviously blocked any potential move in the summer window because they felt they needed him as they were a bit short in midfield as it is.
“I can’t see United being willing to let Mainoo leave again in the January transfer window.”
Mainoo has appeared three times in all competitions this season for United, clocking 163 minutes of first team action and setting up one goal. He has started just one game so far.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
