Manchester United appear to have found their “Kobbie Mainoo replacement” as a January move looks to be a real possibility.
Kobbie Mainoo has started the season on the substitutes bench for Manchester United, as Rúben Amorim appears to see him as a backup option for Bruno Fernandes in central midfield.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are competiting for the other spot in the engine room, but Mainoo isn’t seen as someone who can play there due to his lack of mobility. Amorim needs a high-energy player to play alongside his more creative option.
United were heavily linked with Carlos Baleba for that role in the summer transfer window, but it appears he won’t join the club, although United may reignite their interest in the Brighton midfielder towards the end of the season.
As for Mainoo, he explored a move away from the club at the end of the summer transfer window, with Napoli heavily interested in taking him on loan. The England international appeared to be keen on reuniting with Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay, but he wasn’t allowed to leave Old Trafford.
Despite his efforts to get back into the side since Deadline Day, Mainoo appears to again be exploring a move away from United. The 20-year-old will be desperate to play in the World Cup next summer, having started the Euros final in 2024.
United receive green light for Gallagher
United came close to signing Conor Gallagher on Deadline Day, but chose to focus on signing Senne Lammens instead, as agreeing both deals on the same day would’ve been very difficult.
However, Amorim has given Jason Wilcox and the transfer team the green light to push for Gallagher in the January transfer window, as per Football Insider.
Gallagher would be seen as a “Kobbie Mainoo replacement” as his high-energy profile could make him a good fit for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing a move for the former Chelsea midfielder, who appears destined to leave Atletico Madrid in January.
The England international has only started two league games this season and will also want to fight for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.
United cannot lose Mainoo
Mainoo cannot be allowed to leave United, to put it simply. He is one of the best talents to come through the club’s academy system since the Class of ’92.
Losing a talent of his quality, even with United looking better under Amorim, could send the club into turmoil, as fans would be devastated with the loss of such a talented player.
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Mainoo is the type of player that is supposed to save the club £100 million, rather than making the club £40 million from a sale after a poor season.
United must look to keep the 20-year-old and make him a key part of the team, like he was under Erik ten Hag when he scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
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