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Manchester United were defeated by Everton in the Premier League | Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United will have some difficult transfer decisions to make ahead of the January window.
Ruben Amorim will know by now that every big decision he makes at Man United will be scrutinised to the maximum. Heading into January, that can be a daunting prospect, especially if results like the 1-0 Everton defeat continue to occur regularly, as the pressure on Amorim will intensify.
Man United have a glaring need in midfield for more depth and talent, as Amorim is currently playing a 33-year-old Casemiro, alongside Bruno Fernandes, who is playing out of position. In an ideal world, Bruno would be playing in one of the number 10 roles, and Matheus Cunha could start up front.
Man United need to keep midfield star Kobbie Mainoo
Suppose a move for a new holding midfielder, such as Anderson, looks all but impossible in January. In that case, Amorim’s attention will likely turn to whether or not he should keep Kobbie Mainoo, as the midfielder isn’t getting much game time and has requested a loan move away in search of minutes.
Amorim should make it his biggest priority to keep hold of Mainoo, as he could become a key player, especially if United suffer major midfield injuries, or when the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo leave for AFCON in late December.
Man United don’t want to repeat Scott McTominay disaster
Let’s not forget, it was only two years ago that Mainoo was considered one of the most exciting English footballers. He scored in the FA Cup final against Man City, and also made Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, but what has happened since then?
The biggest difference is that since United moved from Erik Ten Hag to Ruben Amorim, Mainoo’s role has decreased significantly, but that doesn’t mean that the high-potential young midfielder isn’t still in there, he is just getting less opportunity.
Man United are likely to block selling Mainoo in January, and for good reason, as they don’t want a repeat of when they sold Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024, because, since leaving, the Lancaster-born Scotland international has arguably become one of the best centre-midfielders in the world.
McTominay has already won a Serie A title with Napoli, and earned himself a Ballon d’Or nomination, scoring 18 goals and providing eight assists after he left for just £27m, which is a steal for a player of his quality. Man United shouldn’t make the same mistake with Mainoo.
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