As the January transfer window approaches, Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United future is once again in the spotlight
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has had limited game time this season
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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is at a crossroads in his career, and the next two transfer windows could prove crucial for the young midfielder.
The academy graduate enjoyed a remarkable rise at Old Trafford following his breakthrough into the first team a couple of years ago. After an injury-ravaged start to the 2023/24 campaign, Mainoo eventually forced his way into the starting line-up under Erik ten Hag and made 24 Premier League appearances that season, most of them starts.
Last term, injuries again disrupted his season, yet he still amassed over 30 appearances across all competitions, despite a managerial change midway through the campaign as Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag in the dugout. However, after being linked with a move away towards the end of the summer transfer window, this season has looked markedly different for the 20-year-old.
Mainoo has made just one start so far this season, in a Carabao Cup second-round tie against Grimsby Town at the end of August - a game Amorim's side went on to lose on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
The England international has featured in nine of United's 14 Premier League matches so far, but all of those appearances have come from the bench. He was most recently an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw at home to West Ham on Thursday evening.
Only four senior members of United’s squad are yet to start a Premier League match this season: Tom Heaton, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and, most concerningly, Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match against Everton
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League game for Manchester United this season
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For the majority of that list, being resigned to the bench is neither surprising nor concerning. Heaton is a third-choice goalkeeper, Malacia had been linked with a move away in the summer and was a member of the so-called 'bomb squad' with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford as they sought moves away, while Martinez has only recently returned from almost an entire year out with a knee injury. For Mainoo, there is no such explanation.
Therefore, it is no surprise to see rumours of a move away re-emerge as the January window approaches. Mainoo had been linked with Napoli in the summer, where teammate Rasmus Hojlund headed on loan during the same period.
The reality for Mainoo is that his current predicament at United looks unlikely to change any time soon, with Amorim simply preferring other options. The club also continue to be linked with midfield reinforcements after a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba failed to materialise in the summer, which would push Mainoo even further down the pecking order.
In a World Cup year, time is of the essence, and Mainoo is running out of opportunities to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s plans. After earning his first senior England call-up in spring last year, the midfielder has not been named in a Three Lions squad at any point this calendar year.
The England boss was asked about Mainoo’s chances earlier this season, but unsurprisingly cited a lack of game time as the key reason behind his recent omissions. "He's lacking minutes," Tuchel explained in a press conference.
"I don't think he lacks anything else. He has the experience, the power, the quality, the talent to be on our list - he is on our list - but in his position No6, No8, No10 we have players in full rhythm and play key parts in their clubs."
After his early United career promised so much, it is a shame that another of the club's academy graduates may need to leave in order to reignite his career. Despite still being relatively young, it is clear Mainoo has a major decision to make over his future in the coming weeks, but he cannot afford to continue being overlooked and ignored.