Kobbie Mainoo has revisited his desire to leave Manchester United this month following the sacking of Rúben Amorim on Monday morning.
Kobbie Mainoo is one of Manchester United’s most talented Academy graduates over the last 20 years, with the young midfielder breaking through during the 2023/24 season, securing a spot in England’s Euros squad, and scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final.
However, after Erik ten Hag was sacked and Rúben Amorim joined the club in November 2024, his prominence in the starting XI waned, and Mainoo only made limited appearances.
For the first half of the 2025/26 season, Mainoo did not start a single one of the side’s Premier League fixtures, and was reportedly pushing to leave on loan in January to Napoli to get himself game time and revitalise his stunted development.
However, following Amorim’s sacking earlier this week, there has been plenty of talk surrounding whether the midfielder will instead choose to stay at Old Trafford.
Mainoo makes fresh January transfer decision
Although AMorim was adamant that he rated Mainoo as a player, it was clear the former United boss felt the 20-year-old was not athletic enough to survive in his 3-4-2-1 formation.
According to The Athletic, last summer United were so willing to back Amorim and his ideas that they were prepared to sell Mainoo for around £40 million should a suitor arrive. The midfielder had requested to leave on multiple occasions, but only on loan.
However, this did not happen, but Mainooo persisted with his desire to leave, and reportedly was desperate to depart in January, had Amorim stayed.
But, following his sacking, The Athletic further reports that the teenage sensation is now expected to remain at United for the remainder of the campaign in a clear message that he is no longer interested in a loan move to Napoli.
Many will be hoping he can finally be given game time ahead of the World Cup and a shot at getting back in the England squad.
When will Mainoo return from injury?
While Mainoo did not start the first 15 games of the Premier League season for United, he was reportedly in line to play from the off against Aston Villa last month, but then pulled up with a calf injury the day before.
During that time, Bruno Fernandes then hurt his hamstring and had to come off at half-time, and neither have been involved in the first-team squad since.
However, according to reports, both Fernandes and Mainoo have been involved in training on grass over the last week or so, and the former is pushing to be involved when United take on Burnley.
It has been stated that Fletcher will make a final decision on Fernandes’ inclusion on Tuesday afternoon when he takes training, and could give an update during his press conference at 5pm.
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