Manchester United are mired in more dysfunction under manager Ruben Amorim, as the club’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the derby has raised more questions about the embattled manager’s future with a winning percentage hovering just around 25 percent.
One player who should be especially upset with his situation at Old Trafford is defensive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as the young star isn’t even featuring in the starting lineup despite every pundit and Manchester United fan clamoring for him.
When he did get into the game off the bench against the mighty Manchester City, Mainoo was splendid and clearly a cut above his midfield teammates on the ball and athletically.
Manchester United nearly lost Mainoo in the summer transfer window but were able to convince him to stay. If Amorim keeps it up, that may not continue, and there are plenty of high-profile suitors interested.
The latest club who wants to sign Mainoo, per a report from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, is Newcastle United. And they are reportedly eyeing the 20-year-old midfield talent as a January signing.
Newcastle are in the Champions League this season and perennial top five contenders with the full backing financially of Saudi Arabia. They have Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in midfield but are looking for one more young star to kick their fortunes up a notch.
Plus, the Magpies have even more money to invest after making a record sale this past summer transfer window, sending Alexander Isak to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Manchester United cannot afford to lose Mainoo, and with clubs like Newcastle circling within the Premier League top five itself, if the choice is between Mainoo and Amorim, it’s obvious who fans would want the club to pick.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.