Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo requested to leave the club in the summer transfer window but Ruben Amorim managed to keep him at Old Trafford
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
It was difficult for Manchester United supporters to imagine a scenario where Kobbie Mainoo may not be part of the club's long-term future.
And yet, as we sit here on the eve of the first match since the 2025 summer transfer window shut, United head coach Ruben Amorim is processing how he can keep the 20-year-old happy. Since the Portuguese head coach replaced Erik ten Hag, keeping Mainoo content has been a task which has eluded him him.
Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system has not benefitted Mainoo. The midfielder has not been able to nail down a spot in the two holding midfield roles or the two more advanced positions.
This season has been the most challenging yet for Mainoo as he has found himself playing second fiddle to Bruno Fernandes, who has been picked ahead of him. Amorim has told reporters that Mainoo is in direct competition with the captain and while it is impossible to drop Fernandes at present, that does not make the pill any easier for the Englishman to swallow.
So, what must United do with Mainoo? Well, it is clear that they want to keep the midfielder in their squad or else they would have granted him his loan request at the end of August.
But if they wish to keep Mainoo, Amorim needs to make a promise that could be unpopular. He must agree to sell Fernandes next summer.
While it could and should be hard to stomach for United fans considering that Fernandes has been the club's star performer in recent years, it is the only way to keep Mainoo. The midfielder is heading towards the end of his career at the top level and there is undoubted interest from Saudi Arabia.
Reports have suggested that Fernandes has kept the door open to the Saudi Pro League. If this is the case, it could make financial sense for United to sell up if an offer between £80-100m is on the table. Should they do that, they have a ready-made replacement in Mainoo to come into the squad.
The fee for Fernandes would also fund a move for Carlos Baleba to partner Mainoo should Casemiro leave at the end of his current contract. United has previously been guilty of delaying transfers for too long and eventually missing out on the big bucks.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after Josh Cullen of Burnley (not pictured) scores his teams own goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes(Image: Jan Kruger, Getty Images)
If they choose to hold on for too long again, they could end up being forced to allow Mainoo to leave. It is clear he wants regular playing time and if United are not going to offer that, then they must learn to accept that one of their brightest academy graduates is going to leave next summer.
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