Kobbie Mainoo could be on his way out of Manchester United before the transfer deadline, with the midfielder having fallen out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United interacts with Sir Alex Ferguson prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Old Trafford on January 19, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Sir Alex Ferguson has championed giving young players like Kobbie Mainoo a chance
(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim could defy a long-standing Manchester United tradition famously upheld by Sir Alex Ferguson if he allows Kobbie Mainoo to leave. The out-of-favour midfielder could soon be moved on, possibly before Monday's transfer deadline.
A £45m sale has been mooted, which would certainly boost the PSR balance sheets. As he came through United's academy, it would be registered as pure profit. However, it would also prematurely end what was once a promising career at the club.
Mainoo, then just a teenager, made his mark in the 2023/24 season under Erik ten Hag, playing a key role in United's FA Cup triumph. His performances caught the eye of Gareth Southgate, who included him in his Euro 2024 squad, where Mainoo featured in every knockout match as England reached the final.
Sir Alex lauded Mainoo ahead of the 2024/25 season, tipping him to continue his upward trajectory. Discussing the impact of Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, the legendary United manager emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent. Speaking to TikToker Jamal Niaz, he said: "It's the foundation, isn't it?
"It's the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.
"They're young. What they're showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first team, and not be daunted by it.
Sir Alex Ferguson looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France.
Ferguson was full of enthusiasm about Mainoo's emergence at United
"In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have. It's a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age]."
However, Mainoo's progress has hit the buffers under Amorim, while discussions over a new contract have stalled. Last season, he endured injury problems and struggled to hold down a regular spot in the team when fit.
Precious little appears to have changed this season, with Mainoo remaining on the bench for both of United's Premier League fixtures so far.
He was handed a start in Wednesday's Carabao Cup disaster at Grimsby Town. While he wasn't one of United's poorest performers, he did little to strengthen his case for regular first-team football.
Kobbie Mainoo walks out against Grimsby
Mainoo made a rare start against Grimsby
Amorim has said all the right things regarding the youngster's ability, but amid United's ongoing struggles, no player is guaranteed to stay, particularly one who doesn't seem to feature in the manager's immediate plans.
Up to 10 clubs are interested in Mainoo, with the Daily Mail connecting Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Napoli with potential moves. Newcastle United have also been linked with the 20-year-old. Nevertheless, any departure – whether imminently or down the line – would frustrate many United supporters, and presumably Ferguson.
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