Fabrizio Romano has revealed that there could be a potential January transfer at Manchester United after Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in talks this summer.
The summer transfer window slammed shut earlier this week and Manchester United completed most of the business they wanted to in the end.
Senne Lammens came in as a new goalkeeper while Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund and Antony all departed the club.
United had already signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško and Diego Leon earlier in the window but it was important for Ruben Amorim to sign another shot-stopper.
The main downside of the summer window is the fact that United did not sign an extra midfielder, especially after there were links with Carlos Baleba.
On the other hand, United made sure that they kept Kobbie Mainoo at the club after he requested to be loaned out due to concerns over his game-time.
Romano reveals potential January transfer at United
Following on from the conclusion of the transfer window and Mainoo staying at Old Trafford, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the midfielder’s situation.
The Italian journalist clarified that Mainoo never wanted to leave United permanently this summer and instead just wants extra game-time, but explained how Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in talks which led to United rejecting the 20-year-old’s request.
But Romano also added that, unless Mainoo’s game-time under Amorim improves in the coming months, there could be further talk about a potential loan exit for the Academy graduate in the January transfer window.
“Kobbie Mainoo had a complicated six to seven days. He went directly to Ruben Amorim and the club together with his agent to say he’s not happy,” explained Romano on his YouTube channel.
“Kobbie Mainoo loves Manchester United, he’s really happy at Manchester United but he’s not happy about the game-time and Man United don’t have European football.
“This is why he asked to go out on loan, he never asked to leave on a permanent. It was a priority for Mainoo to go on loan but Man United said no.
“Internally, also with Sir Jim Ratcliffe involved, this was the decision made with all of the people involved. We cannot let Kobbie Mainoo go.
“I think there will be some interesting months ahead because if Kobbie Mainoo plays, the situation will be okay. But if Kobbie Mainoo stays on the bench, I think in January this could be a topic again. Now, the pitch has the final say on the future of Kobbie Mainoo.”
Mainoo will get enough minutes… surely
The current United midfield options are Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mainoo. The Uruguayan midfielder was an used substitute against Burnley after his terrible start to the season.
We have already seen that injuries still occur at Old Trafford even if you are playing once a week. Both Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount could be doubts for the Manchester City clash when club football returns.
It simply seems impossible for Mainoo to not get regular game-time, whether that is in deeper midfield or as a no.10.
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Ironically, since Amorim suggested that Mainoo and Fernandes were competing for the same place in the midfield, both games against Grimsby Town and Burnley have ended with those two playing together in the middle.
Mainoo impressed with his performances in both of those games, and he will surely be getting enough minutes in the coming months to make a departure a non-story by the time the January window comes around.
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