Manchester United may have to fight off transfer interest for one of their promising stars in the January transfer window.
Manchester United look set to be in for a tough spell during the Winter due to the African Cup of Nations. Amad and Bryan Mbeumo, who have both started the season in fine form, will both miss up to one month of Premier League action.
Noussair Mazraoui could also travel to the AFCON if he can return to full fitness before the competition begins in mid-December. Rúben Amorim will have to think of clever solutions to replace his missing stars during December and January.
United’s troubles could be made worse if any senior players force a move during the January transfer window. Several players are believed to be unhappy at Old Trafford due to their lack of game time since the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
Joshua Zirkzee is yet to start a game for United this season and could look for a move away if he wants to keep his World Cup hopes alive. West Ham United have been linked to the Dutchman, but Amorim will want to keep hold of him if he can.
Manuel Ugarte is another who may look to leave the Red Devils. The 24-year-old has played backup to Casemiro since the start of the season and is unlikely to displace the Brazilian after several good performances alongside Bruno Fernandes in recent weeks.
Napoli set to “try again” for Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is another United player who will be unhappy with his game time this campaign, as he has had to sit on the bench due to competing for a place with Fernandes. Despite his promising talent, displacing the club captain was never going to be an easy feat.
At the end of the summer transfer window, Mainoo was heavily linked with a move to Napoli on a season-long loan, but Amorim rejected the move. The 20-year-old was denied the opportunity to reunite with Scott McTominay.
However, Gazzetta Dello Sport have now reported that Napoli will look to sign the England international again, possibly in the January transfer window. “They’ll try again,” said the report.
Kevin De Bruyne’s recent thigh tear may have forced Antonio Conte’s side to make another attempt to sign Mainoo, although United will be unlikely to let him leave due to the United players missing in AFCON, unless they recall another midfielder like Toby Collyer or Dan Gore.
Rasmus Hojlund has been excellent since his move to Naples, as has McTominay, so Mainoo may be looking at that with hope that he could prove his talent before the World Cup at the end of the season.
Amorim must use Mainoo more often
While the midfield has been impressive since Amorim’s tactical tweak – which saw Luke Shaw join the midfield and follow Georginio Rutter around the pitch – Mainoo still deserves an opportunity to showcase his ability.
During the AFCON, Mainoo could be set for more minutes if Fernandes plays higher up the pitch alongside Matheus Cunha or Mason Mount, although Amorim may want to keep the club captain at the heart of his midfield.
If Mainoo doesn’t begin to start games soon, especially during AFCON, he will look for a move away from Old Trafford, either on loan or on a permanent deal. He will know that he has the ability to shine on the world stage, much like Marcus Rashford is now doing at Barcelona.
When United enter the FA Cup in the new year, Mainoo will be set for more starts, but that won’t be enough for the England international. He must start more games soon.
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