Manchester United will not let Kobbie Mainoo depart the club this summer unless they sign a replacement
This season is full of changes for Manchester United, and in this environment, Kobbie Mainoo’s position seems even more important. The way he made his place in the team in 2023/24 and proved himself with consistent good performances, it was clear that he was no longer just a hope but had become the centre of the team.
However, the 20-year-old isn’t getting regular game time under Ruben Amorim. After the season he had, you’d think he’d want to be playing consistently. If that isn’t happening, it isn’t surprising if he is considering options where he’d be on the pitch more often. Any young player wants to be playing football regularly.
Transfer report and the real picture
In Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Pete O’Rourke said that Manchester United do not plan to sell Mainoo this summer unless a direct replacement is found. He said that many clubs are ready to sign Mainoo, but United would not want to weaken their squad without preparation. This is why this deal will prove to be very difficult. The club wants to keep hold of Mainoo for the time being, as he has shown time and again that he can step up on the big occasions and will continue to play a key role in the years to come.
Manchester United will not let Kobbie Mainoo depart the club this summer unless they sign a replacement.
Kobbie Mainoo won’t be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer unless a replacement is brought in advance, sources have told Football Insider.
Meanwhile, there are also reports that Everton have shown interest in signing Mainoo, although United do not seem to be seriously considering any such move at the moment. On the other hand, reports have revealed that Manchester United are considering Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand as a direct alternative. Amorim knows him well, but the hefty release clause of €80m could affect the club’s thinking. All this shows that the club is taking a very careful step despite the risk of losing Mainoo.
Opinion:
From a Manchester United fan’s point of view, the decision to keep Mainoo seems absolutely correct. Amorim is currently rebuilding his team, and weakening the squad at such a time would be very short-sighted. The Englishman could be positioned a little further forward if the club brought in Adam Wharton or another defensive midfielder. This change would allow him to play more freely and have a greater impact in the attacking third.
Amorim may have to make a slight change to his system to allow Mainoo to show his true strengths. If he is allowed space in the half-spaces and a holding midfielder stands behind him, he can constantly carry the ball forward and change the course of play with his passing. This would be very useful in Amorim’s strategy of vertical passing and line-breaking.
As for alternatives, there are a few names in the market. Sevilla’s Javi Guerra could be an affordable solution, while AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana could give United balance with his physicality and ball progression. Hjulmand is a big name but comes at a hefty price. Even with these options, it’s clear Mainoo is a true class and will leave a lasting impression.
United would be better off building a team around Mainoo at the centre and adjusting the other midfield roles to bring his strengths to the fore. The future looks bright for him and if the club gives him consistent opportunities in the right position, he will become a big name not just at Old Trafford but in the England squad as well.