Three Premier League clubs are interested in Mainoo, while Napoli and Bayern Munich are the overseas frontrunners following a turbulent week for the youngster
Kobbie Mainoo will consider leaving Manchester United permanently in January as he and his team struggle to see a future at the club under Ruben Amorim.
The i Paper has been told the player will prioritise a loan switch next month, after trying and failing to do so in the summer, but a permanent switch cannot be ruled out.
If United move to block any January exit, given the paucity of other options available to Amorim in the result of an injury to Bruno Fernandes or Casemiro, Mainoo will not push any further and is willing to fight for his place in the team.
With Africa Cup of Nations absentees leaving a hole in the United squad, there should be further chances in the coming week.
Clubs across the continent are keeping an eye on the situation. Chelsea, West Ham and Everton are among the Premier League clubs interested in a loan move for Mainoo, while Napoli and Bayern Munich are the current frontrunners from overseas.
United are of course aware if they do sell Mainoo there will be uproar among much of their following, even if support for the popular midfielder has dwindled somewhat this week in the wake of his half-brother’s actions.
Mainoo was unaware Jordan Mainoo-Hames would be pictured in the Old Trafford stands wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt on Monday night.
The i Paper has been told by sources close to Mainoo that the 20-year-old academy graduate does not intend to disrespect the club who he has spent his entire footballing life with.
United meanwhile would entertain offers for a permanent sale if they are substantial enough. The club are looking to do some squad strengthening of their own in January, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo a top target. They also plan to revamp their midfield in the summer – more competition for places for Mainoo.
The issue Amorim has is that he does not believe Mainoo to be a No 6, and to play him in an advanced midfield role, he would have to dislodge captain Fernandes.
Amorim admitted that Monday night’s incident will not affect his decision over whether Mainoo will start on Sunday against Aston Villa.
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Issues with ill-discipline among academy graduates have reappeared following Amorim’s decision to single out Harry Amass, Chido Obi and Mainoo last week, with Amass and Chido Obi both swiftly deleting Instagram posts biting back at their manager’s outspoken views.
“They feel entitlement and then they have legends of the club saying, ‘if you don’t play then leave’,” Amorim said on Friday. “No, let’s stay and fight and overcome. We have to fight against this feeling.”
Mainoo is a different situation, as he is much further along in his development than his peers. He should get more minutes in the run-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad announcement in the coming months. Whether that is at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain.