Leeds United are preparing a move for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United watch the situation around Kobbie Mainoo shift again, as a report from TEAMtalk highlights Leeds United’s interest in the 20-year-old midfielder. The young player has strong potential, but he continues to face the same issue every week at Old Trafford because he struggles to secure the minutes that can shape his growth.
Leeds appear ready to explore the possibility of giving him a clearer path, and that possibility provides the story with a new side in a season that already feels tense for both clubs.
Even so, the situation continues to shift. On one hand, Mainoo needs regular football, as a player at this stage gains confidence only through proper game time on the field. On the other hand, Manchester United value him as a squad option who can help when injuries trouble the team, which complicates any straightforward exit.
Leeds, meanwhile, sit in a difficult position after a rough start, and they know that their midfield needs more control if they want to change things in the coming months, so Mainoo’s profile appeals to them.
What did Dean Jones say?
Leeds United are preparing a move for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo needs regular gametime at this stage of his career
However, the report notes that journalist Dean Jones does not expect a January switch for the English midfielder. He believes Manchester United would see little reason to send him to a rival with a tense history, and he suggests that Mainoo might prefer a move that suits his long-term ambitions.
“I don’t see there being much of a chance that Mainoo makes a move to Leeds. I do think that he is stuck at the moment, though.
“I don’t really see why they would let him join a team like Leeds in January, though, because they don’t benefit much from that, the player would likely be looking for something bigger than that, and there is a rivalry and history between the clubs that still stands to this day.”
Earlier reports claimed that the Red Devils would possibly block his move away from the club in January, but Napoli are ready to splash the cash on him.
Mainoo is desperate to play regularly
The English midfielder broke through into the first team from the academy through impressive performances. His strengths are his remarkable composure and quality on the ball, especially when pressed.
Mainoo is a versatile central midfielder who possesses excellent dribbling skills and has the creative vision to pick out passes which few others might see. The 20-year-old is also sensational when driving forward with the ball, but Ruben Amorim feels he is still not a finished product, and his direct competition is with United captain Bruno Fernandes.
The Englishman will be an excellent addition for Leeds United, but the player might want to play regularly for a bigger club. Currently, the best solution for United will be to either play him regularly or let him leave on loan for a big club without any option to buy. It’s quite certain that the 20-year-old will no longer be satisfied with warming the bench regularly. However, it is quite certain and right from United not to let him leave for a Premier League club, and a move to Napoli might be the right option.