Manchester United could produce a U-turn in their crunch talks with Kobbie Mainoo following Rúben Amorim’s loss against Grimsby Town.
Manchester United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup second round as Rúben Amorim’s side fell to a gruelling penalty shootout defeat against Grimsby Town.
The hosts began strongly, pressing United’s defence before Charles Vernam blasted them ahead. Soon after, ex-United trialist Tyrell Warren punished a poor punch from André Onana to make it 2–0.
Amorim turned to his bench in the second half, bringing on Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Matthijs de Ligt. The changes paid off as Mbeumo pulled one back from a Kobbie Mainoo assist, before Harry Maguire levelled late on with a header from Mason Mount’s corner.
But in a marathon 26-penalty shootout, misses from Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo proved decisive despite an Onana save, sending United crashing out.
United set for crunch talks with Mainoo
Amid the loss against Grimsby, there has also been much discussion surrounding the future of talented youngster Kobbie Mainoo. Despite his “incredible” talent, Mainoo is reportedly open to leaving United after being left out of the two Premier League fixtures this season.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United will hold a meeting in the next hours to discuss his future. The club, the player, his agent, and Amorim will all be involved in discussions to clarify the situation and determine the next steps.
As of Wednesday afternoon, there were no active talks or bids on the table, but interest from several top clubs is real and expected, given Mainoo’s talent and potential. Many have already made inquiries about his availability.
The upcoming talks will be crucial in determining whether Mainoo stays at Old Trafford or considers a move. For now, it’s United and Mainoo who must decide together before the window closes.
United may make U-turn on Mainoo future talks
Following United’s loss to Grimsby Town, United may consider making a significant change to the talks and discussions surrounding Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford.
As Romano stated, the plan is to have Mainoo, his agent, United’s directors, and Amorim at the table. Still, amid the increasing pressure on Amorim, the club may now choose to exclude the head coach from talks surrounding the midfielder’s long-term future.
Amorim has already admitted that talks surrounding Mainoo’s future lie with Director of Football Jason Wilcox and has actively distanced himself from them. With his own future at the club now in doubt, United may choose to remove him from the decision-making entirely.
Reports on Wednesday suggested that neither Mainoo nor United expect the player to leave before the window closes on Monday, with some suggesting that much of the noise is being drummed up by the agent amid contract talks.
More concrete news surrounding Mainoo’s future is expected to come in the next few days.
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