The cloud of Kobbie Mainoo’s non-involvement hangs over the head of Ruben Amorim amid a tough start to the season, and the player is ready to make a decision on his future, United in Focus understands.
The excitement coming into the season and built on slightly by an encouraging performance against Arsenal has well and truly dissipated.
The performance against Fulham was a step back, with Man Utd arguably lucky to come away with a draw after a fast start.
All this time, Kobbie Mainoo stayed warming the bench, the second time it has happened, and United in Focus understands that Mainoo is now ready to make a decision on his future.
Kobbie Mainoo sat on Manchester United bench at Craven Cottage.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo ready to make Man Utd decision
Mainoo’s fall in importance has been just as swift as his rise was, with Ruben Amorim clearly not happy with the midfielder’s contribution.
Marking him as “Bruno Fernandes’ backup” might as well be calling him surplus to requirements, since Fernandes never rests, and is rarely subbed.
Kobbie Mainoo during Manchester United Training Session.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Even at his lowest ebb against Fulham, Amorim refused to take Fernandes out of the game, which doesn’t bode well for Mainoo’s prospects at Old Trafford.
United in Focus spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who can exclusively report that Mainoo is now ready to leave United on loan this summer.
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Bailey said: “I understand that Kobbie Mainoo is ready to leave Manchester United on loan this month and a host of clubs are looking to land him.
“We understand that Mainoo, who has yet to receive a contract offer promised to him since last year, wants to be playing. It is believed United would be open to a permanent deal, whilst Mainoo would consider a loan – he still believes he could have a future at Old Trafford.
“He has two years left on his current deal – which makes him one of the lowest paid members of the squad – and a loan could be an option.”
Mainoo’s contract situation adding to the uncertainty
That news is going to turn even more fans against Amorim, as Mainoo has shown himself capable of being a generational talent.
However, the problem with Mainoo’s situation at United pre-dates Amorim, because he has not signed an extension as yet.
As noted above, Mainoo’s contract ends in two years, and Amorim recently brushed off suggestions of an extension by saying that it is Jason Wilcox’s department.
Bailey says the whole situation has left Mainoo feeling unhappy.
He said: “United management and hierarchy understand the situation, but would be concerned about leaving themselves short of options.
“However, the interest in him is very strong – with clubs across England and Europe keen on taking him.”
United in Focus can report that the likes of Tottenham, Brighton, Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, and more Premier League sides hold a long-term interest in the player.
This is a move that can develop quickly, especially if Amorim snubs Mainoo against Grimsby and Burnley, and it would be a bigger hit to Amorim’s reputation than Mainoo’s, who has been a model professional throughout.