Manchester United could allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave on loan in January after blocking his move during the summer transfer window.
Kobbie Mainoo’s situation under Rúben Amorim has been sad to see. The England international made his way from Premier League debutant to starter in the European Championships final for his country in less than one season, but now, he can’t get a game.
Since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, Mainoo has been out of the side and unable to displace his midfield competitors, despite the struggles for consistency over Amorim’s tenure.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are the current starting players in the double pivot, and they have finally built some form together, but this partnership isn’t long-term.
The former Real Madrid midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season, and a renewal doesn’t look likely, unless he is willing to accept a huge pay decrease, which seems unlikely.
Fernandes could also be set for a summer exit. The United captain has been linked with a move for several years and may finally jump ship if Amorim can’t build some form before the end of the campaign.
Collyer move to affect Mainoo decision
Toby Collyer joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan at the beginning of the season and has been decent.
The former Brighton midfielder would’ve hoped for more gametime, but in his appearances, he has looked steady, as he did for United.
However, an injury has seen him return to Old Trafford for treatment. While he may go back to West Brom after he has recovered, Amorim may choose to keep him around the first team and allow Mainoo to go on loan.
Mainoo has only played 183 minutes in the Premier League this season, while Collyer played 175 minutes in four fewer appearances in the top flight last season.
There is simply no reason why Collyer couldn’t take over Mainoo’s current role and allow the England international to play regular football elsewhere to continue his development.
Ugarte’s involvement
While he has played more than Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte has also struggled for regular gametime under Amorim, despite having a prior relationship with the coach from their time together at Sporting CP.
In the summer, United introduced a two-year rule, which saw players leave the club if they hadn’t already proved themselves. Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana were the first victims, and Ugarter could be the next.
However, if United choose to sell Ugarte, they may keep Mainoo at the club until the summer window, especially if they can’t sign a replacement in the January window.
That scenario could see both Collyer and Mainoo remain at Old Trafford, although Amorim could call upon Dan Gore or Jack Moorhouse, who are both on loan in League One and playing well.
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