United star’s “fragile” relationship with INEOS pointing toward January exit that will break fans’ hearts – report

Darren Fletcher handed Kobbie Mainoo his first start for Manchester United since August. Mainoo partnered Manuel Ugarte against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup. United were on the losing end of a 2-1 scoreline, but the dynamic midfielder impressed with his bravery in possession. When Ruben Amorim was at the helm, Mainoo wanted to leave United after growing frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities. The Portuguese head coach’s departure has had little impact on Mainoo’s short-term plans. Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United under Michael Carrick According to the Daily Mail, Kobbie Mainoo remains as desperate as ever to play with the World Cup on the horizon. As such, the England international would still be open to a loan move this month if his “opportunities are going to be limited” under Michael Carrick. On Tuesday, United announced Carrick as the club’s head coach until the end of the season. It is understood Mainoo has a “fragile” relationship with the United hierarchy over their “failure to sign off on a new contract last year, leaving him as one of the lowest-paid senior players in the squad.” Napoli remain in the frame for his signature. As such, the 20-year-old has no wish to “hang around” at his boyhood club if the situation remains unchanged. Kobbie Mainoo fell out with Ruben Amorim Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Mainoo and Amorim had a “shouting match” at Carrington towards the end of last season.  The United academy product last lined up in the Premier League on 11 May. He requested to leave Amorim’s side last summer in favour of a loan move to Napoli. However, the Red Devils turned down his request.  United are unlikely to sanction an exit in the winter transfer window as well without reinforcing their midfield.  Featured image Jan Kruger 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!