Kobbie Mainoo is looking at a potential exit from Manchester United when the January transfer window swings open, with a decision already made on when the Red Devils' top brass will look at his future
Kobbie Mainoo walks on
Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for minutes at Man Utd this season(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Manchester United are grappling with a tough decision regarding the future of Kobbie Mainoo. It comes as the midfielder contemplates a potential move in the January transfer window.
The homegrown talent has found game time hard to come by under Ruben Amorim, who has favoured a double pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro this season. Mainoo has clocked up just 261 minutes on the pitch as a result, with only one start coming in the form of the Carabao Cup.
His Premier League appearances have been limited to brief stints off the bench. A lack of action has seen the 20-year-old fall out of favour with the Three Lions setup, with his last appearance dating back to September 2024 - a significant setback given it's a World Cup year, reports the Manchester Evening News.
With playing opportunities looking scarce, The Athletic reports that Mainoo is prepared to seek a loan move away from United in the January transfer window due to his frustration over lack of game time.
The report also suggests that the club hasn't made a final decision yet and isn't expected to do so until after AFCON - which falls in the middle of the transfer window - due to the potential impact of players leaving for the tournament.
This sets a timeline for when the academy star could depart, if United decide that an exit in the coming weeks is the best course of action. Mainoo remained on the bench during his team's 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday evening, sparking fresh speculation about his future at Old Trafford.
"I see it [frustration]. I just want to win," Amorim said ahead of Monday's fixture against Wolves when questioned about whether Mainoo might feel disheartened by his selections.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match against Everton
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League game for Man Utd this season
View 2 Images
He added: "I try to put the players, I don't look who it is, I don't care about that, I'm just trying to put the best players on the pitch.
"You have [Manuel] Ugarte that played two games. One of them, Case, was out, Bruno, he's always fit, he's the guy that is doing his position, so maybe it has to do with that."
While Amorim has stood by his approach regarding Mainoo, United icon Paul Scholes has been far more critical of the manager following his recent remarks. Taking to Instagram, Scholes said: "Bulls***. The kid's being ruined, not being played in a team that can't control a game of football. Hate seeing home grown players leave, but it's probably best for him now, enough is enough."
Whether Mainoo will be permitted to leave and develop his career elsewhere from January onwards remains uncertain, with significant decisions still pending.
With ongoing speculation surrounding United and a potential midfield signing on the horizon, however, all signs suggest a possible departure for Mainoo.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image