Former England midfielder Chris Waddle says West Ham transfer target Kobbie Mainoo “needs to get out” of Manchester United if he wants to play in next summer’s World Cup.
The Hammers have reportedly offered guarantees about game time if he chooses to make the switch to the London Stadium, and asked by Shekicks.net whether Mainoo should take the offer, Waddle replied:
“For Kobbie, he knows that you just have to play. If you’re not playing, it’s easy for an international manager to pick someone else. Nobody is going to argue with Tuchel’s decision to go for someone playing more regularly. Mainoo’s had a change of fortune this season. He’s out of the team, but in his absence, United have turned things around. They’re playing quite well, they’re looking better.”
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“If Kobbie isn’t playing, then he’s not going to go to the World Cup, so when January comes around, he needs to look at any of the interested clubs who make contact. Whether it’s a loan move or permanent, so be it.”
“I’m sure he’s asked Ruben Amorim what he has to do right now, but he is playing the team he thinks that’s going to work best. If you’re looking to impress your national team manager, then you just have to be playing. In January, he needs to get out if he’s not playing still, on loan or a permanent deal.”
West Ham are among several teams pursuing the midfielder
While it is believed that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are in the mix to sign Mainoo in January, he will have many other offers on the table.
Serie A champions Napoli are said to be interested, while the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea and even Leeds have been suggested as other potential suitors.
Mainoo is not the only Man United player the Irons want
In addition to the England international, West Ham are thought to be keen on signing Joshua Zirkzee on a temporary basis as well.
Like Mainoo, the forward has found himself on the periphery of Amorim’s first-team plans. He is yet to start a match this campaign.
Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here