Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave the club this January in search of regular playing time.
According to talkSPORT, “the 20-year-old does not believe he has a future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim after struggling for minutes this season.” This comes after Kobbie Mainoo was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 1-1 draw at home to West Ham.
The result has left the fanbase frustrated and has piled the pressure on the manager. The team’s performances lack quality, rhythm and control so it is difficult to understand Mainoo’s continued exclusion.
At just 18 years old, Mainoo cemented himself in United’s midfield under Erik ten Hag. His debut season could not have been much better. He ended it by scoring the winner in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City, which was followed by a call-up to the England squad for EURO2024 where he was instrumental in the team’s run to the final.
Since Amorim’s arrival, Mainoo has fallen out of favour at United, and after the team failed to qualify for any European competition last season, this campaign has left him on the sidelines more often than not. Anticipating a lack of minutes, it was reported that Mainoo asked to leave on loan for the season in the final few weeks of the summer window. However, the club denied his wish and instead blocked any potential moves.
As the situation has worsened, a move could be on the horizon this winter. United have played 14 games in the Premier League this season, with Mainoo featuring in just nine of these as a substitute. He has played a total of just 171 Premier League minutes in Ruben Amorim’s team this season.
Amorim explains Mainoo decisions
For a club built on ‘youth, courage and success,’ it is strange to have a lack of connection to this Man United team. In the matchday squad against West Ham yesterday, there were only two academy graduates, both of which didn’t make it onto the pitch. Shea Lacey is yet to make a first-team appearance but Mainoo’s situation is much different.
For the fans, the discussion around Mainoo is both an emotional and a logical one. Amorim has insisted on fielding Bruno Fernandes alongside Casemiro; a short-term solution which also lacks mobility and ball-retention. Despite the midfield’s sub-par performances, Mainoo has not been given an opportunity in the side and is clearly suffering as a result.
Despite staying professional throughout, Mainoo is clearly unhappy and unconfident, and the situation could lead to a promising career being damaged. When asked about the issue, Amorim said “I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”
“You have [Manuel] Ugarte that played two games. One of them, Case[miro], was out, Bruno [Fernandes], he’s always fit, he’s the guy that is doing his position, so maybe it has to do with that.”
Mainoo is a fan favourite and also a fantastic footballer, so it is clear why there is a heightened focus on his lack of involvement. After the match, Amorim was asked if he understands the concerns.
“Of course, I understand, and my job is to answer, but I’m trying to answer always the same thing, and you ask me always the same thing.
“I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie; he starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in], so it’s my decision.”
Napoli and Bayern eye move for Mainoo
It has also been revealed by talkSPORT that both Napoli and Bayern Munich are interested in signing Kobbie Mainoo in January. Both clubs are reigning champions of their respective leagues and would be great fits for the young Englishmen.
It is currently unclear whether or not a deal would be a permanent transfer or a loan for the remainder of the season, but Mainoo doesn’t see a future under the current manager.
After impressing for the national team under Sir Gareth Southgate’s management, Mainoo has found himself also out of action for England. This comes at a tough time as the 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, leaving Mainoo limited time to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
A move could massively benefit United’s academy star, with regular game time to build up his confidence once again in the hopes of reclaiming his place for both club and country.
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