Mainoo is viewed as a key part of the club's project regardless of who becomes the next head coach.placeholder image
Mainoo is viewed as a key part of the club's project regardless of who becomes the next head coach. | Getty Images
Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was linked to leaving the club earlier in the season.
Kobbie Mainoo has had a very strange season at Man United. In the early part of the season, his role was significantly reduced, as Ruben Amorim refused to start him, sparking rumours of an exit in January for the 20-year-old.
United are in talks with Mainoo over a new contract, so it looks as though he will remain at Old Trafford for the long-term future, which is huge for United and Carrick. However, a different United midfielder looks set to leave before the end of the January window.
Man United agree to loan out midfield starlet
19-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone joined Man United’s youth system in August 2024 and has since made 19 appearances for the U18s and U19s, and it was believed that this season could be the breakout year for Kone, although he suffered a concussion against Tamworth earlier in the year, so he had to spend some time in recovery.
He has been training with Man United’s sister club Lausanne in Switzerland, and now it looks like he is on his way out. According to journalist Marc Mechenoua, Kone is set to leave Man United and join Lausanne on a loan for the rest of the season. A deal is said to be agreed and is ‘awaiting the completion of administrative formalities’.
It is understood the 19-year-old has already started training with his new teammates and hopes to become a major part of their plans for the remainder of the season, to give him some really useful experience. If his loan move accelerates his development, Kone’s breakout year could come next season under whichever manager is in charge at Old Trafford.
Could any other United midfielders leave?
The only other name who is a potential exit in January is Manuel Ugarte, who really hasn’t found his form since moving to Old Trafford in 2024. He has become somewhat of a flop, and doesn’t seem to be in the long-term plans at United, as they are seemingly reliant on Mainoo and then signing a Premier League midfielder in the summer.
With that in mind, there is no surprise that reports are claiming that Ajax are interested in signing the Uruguayan, as earlier in the January window, they enquired about potentially signing Ugarte on a possible loan deal for the remainder of the season, which could be the beginning of the end for the former PSG midfielder.
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