One of Manchester United’s brightest stars could be set for a new starting position against Man City following the close of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Manchester United’s 2025 summer transfer incomings have concluded with the £18 million signing of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who is known to be one of the brightest young shot-stoppers in Europe.
United’s total commitment to spending has settled around an initial £215 million this summer, with add-ons potentially taking this to over £240 million if all agreed bonuses are achieved.
In addition to Lammens, the club has also brought in an attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, with 18-year-old left-back Diego Leon joining in July.
As for outgoings, many of the outcast players, such as Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony, have found new clubs, with the highlight sale being Alejandro Garnacho’s £40 million move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
United chose not to sign a new midfielder this summer
In the last week of the window, the real concern for United was the future of Kobbie Mainoo, who had requested to leave on loan due to a lack of playing time.
The “incredible” young talent has expressed to United’s hierarchy that he fears his game time under Rúben Amorim is limited, and puts his chances of playing at the 2026 World Cup much lower than if he were to head on loan to secure regular playing time.
United, though, told the player in no uncertain terms that his request had been rejected, as the club had no intention of letting such a talented young player leave, especially with little to no time to find a replacement.
The club also decided in the last week of the window that signing a new goalkeeper was a new priority over a fresh midfield recruit, with their top choice, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, only a realistic option next summer.
Mainoo could play a new position against Man City
Amid United’s decision not to sign a new midfielder and force Mainoo to stay at the club could become a blessing in disguise for the 20-year-old, especially after the club confirmed both Cunha and Mason Mount had suffered injuries against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
According to Chris Wheeler from the Daily Mail, the duo’s injuries mean there is little chance that any move for Mainoo will be sanctioned, with Amorim now no doubt having to rely on the midfielder for extra attacking firepower.
According to Amorim, Mainoo is competing with Fernandes for a spot in the midfield.
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However, with Mount and Cunha potentially unavailable to face Man City once football resumes in two weeks, Mainoo could find himself on the left side of the front three, operating along that flank with Fernandes behind him.
Mainoo has been trialled on the right of the front three, in both deeper midfield positions, and even at centre-forward once under Amorim, but has yet to have any significant minutes on the left-hand side, where Mount and Cunha have alternated so far this season.
With the youngster wanting signifiacnt minutes to impress England boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup, United’s recent transfer decisions, combined with the injuries to Mount and Cunha, could leave Mainoo with the perfect chance to prove himself against City at Old Trafford.
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