Kobbie Mainoo will be hoping to solve his Manchester United frustrations in January one way or another as Ruben Amorim continues to ignore him.
While there have definitely been more positives this season for Manchester United compared to last season, Ruben Amorim has plenty of questions to answer about his management of the squad.
One major negative is that Amorim has ignored using United’s academy, something that is non-negotiable at the club, with Kobbie Mainoo the prime example of this. Despite being a star when Amorim arrived, Mainoo has taken a backstep, and this season has been used sparingly enough that he could leave.
Paul Scholes has voiced annoyance over Mainoo and how Amorim has failed to help him improve, and there is proof that the head coach is making a big error in letting Mainoo go.
Kobbie Mainoo dribbling against Everton.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
David Ornstein claims Kobbie Mainoo is among Europe’s most sought-after midfielders
Despite not using him, Amorim has spoken positively about Mainoo, and suggested that he deserves more game time at United right now.
However, as nothing changes, there is a chance he will seek his exit in January, but that would be a massive mistake from United and Ineos.
In a transfer news update, The Athletic journalist Mark Critchley has discussed United’s midfield situation, with Mainoo named among the most sought-after names in Europe for 2026, despite United’s continued reluctance.
Napoli are still among Mainoo’s suitors, a move that would see him reunite with Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay.
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Adam Wharton playing against Albania
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Most recently, Mainoo has been linked with Juventus, which just shows the level of clubs keen to sign United’s academy graduate and also why it would be a massive mistake.
Mainoo has all the tools to be an elite midfielder and is already one of the best in possession in the league, which makes it baffling that he is almost being forced to leave through his game time.
Manchester United would be downgrading with Kobbie Mainoo replacements
The fact that Mainoo is being sought after by countless top clubs, who are clearly amazed that he is available, says a lot and should be a wake-up call for Amorim not to continue down the road of pushing the 20-year-old away.
THIS is what Kobbie Mainoo is capable of! ⭐
We need this version of Kobbie Mainoo back ASAP
Losing Mainoo is not only completely against what the club stands for, but also, United will likely be downgrading with whoever is signed as his replacement.
With regular game time, Mainoo would be clear of Adam Wharton and others in conversations, and his ability deserves more, but he might still find this development at Old Trafford.
It isn’t too late for Amorim to start giving Mainoo the minutes he deserves, as United won’t find a better midfielder available, and instead, whoever is signed should be with the idea that they will pair with Mainoo.