Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson has urged midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to join Brighton & Hove Albion on loan during the winter transfer window.
The England international has had a difficult campaign with the Red Devils. He has managed just 312 minutes across all competitions and has yet to start in the Premier League.
Mainoo is reportedly eyeing a loan move away from United this winter, and Simpson believes he could get into the England squad for the World Cup with a temporary switch elsewhere.
The former United graduate also urged the 20-year-old to join Brighton, given their reputation for developing players and the presence of ex-United star Danny Welbeck to help him out.
Simpson said in an interview: “Ruben Amorim said there’s a benefit of not being in Europe, and having a full weeks’ training.
“The negative is that there aren’t many games, so you can’t rotate as much. If Manchester United were in Europe, he’d be getting a lot more games.
“The United fans don’t want to lose him because he’s a local lad and a top player.
“A six-month loan in January would do him good, and could get him to get into the England squad. The key is what team he goes to.
“I think that Brighton, with the way they develop players, and the football they play, and what they expect from their players, would be the best fit for Mainoo.
“You’ve got Danny Welbeck there too, another Manchester boy who could help him. Brighton would be the place I’d pick for him.”
Mainoo could push for a winter loan exit
Mainoo, described as ‘smart‘ by former United defender Victor Lindelof, has not managed more than 45 minutes of regular time in a single league game this season.
Amorim has clearly stated that the Englishman is a backup for Bruno Fernandes in the number eight role and has been reluctant to play him as a defensive midfielder.
The 20-year-old came on as a substitute for Casemiro against Bournemouth on Monday night. The decision was partly forced as Casemiro was on a yellow card.
The latter is now suspended for Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa after accumulating his fifth yellow card of the season. This could pave the way for Mainoo’s first league start since May.
It remains to be seen whether that happens or Amorim goes with Manuel Ugarte in the no.6 role. The Uruguayan has better defensive credentials than the academy star.
Regardless, Mainoo could be back on the bench when Casemiro returns from suspension, and it won’t be a surprise if he pushes for a temporary move at the turn of the year.
Brighton have built the pedigree of nurturing quality young talents into potential world-beaters, but the South Coast outfit have yet to express any interest in a loan deal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com