Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo was linked with a move away from Old Trafford throughout the summer transfer window and his future remains up in the air under Ruben Amorim
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United in January
(Image: Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly set a 16-game deadline to save his Manchester United career with an exit still a distinct possibility. The midfielder has found opportunities limited under Ruben Amorim so far this season.
Mainoo, 20, has made just one start for United this term - that coming in the humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town. That reduced game time has come after a summer in which Mainoo was linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Napoli were credited as admirers, with the academy graduate reportedly open to leaving the club on loan. While that did not transpire, it appears that Mainoo’s future is still far from certain.
According to ESPN, Mainoo wants to see his game time increase over the next few months.
If that does not happen, he could be forced to look for opportunities elsewhere. It is further detailed that a loan switch to Napoli remains a possibility but United would need to sign a replacement to sanction his exit.
It all means that Mainoo only has a limited amount of games to make an impression. United play just 16 matches before the January transfer window, having failed to qualify for a European competition and suffered an early exit from the Carabao Cup.
Mainoo has just under two years remaining on his contract with United, albeit the club has an option of a further campaign.
Asked about Mainoo’s place in the squad earlier this season, Amorim said: “He is fighting for the position now with Bruno (Fernandes). And I changed two midfielders.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has found opportunities limited this season
“I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal. And then when I change it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder.
"So he (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United."
Mainoo has made 74 senior appearances for United in all since his breakthrough in the 2022/23 season and has scored seven goals.
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