Jones convinced Mainoo will leave Man Utd

Jones convinced Mainoo will leave Man Utd

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes Kobbie Mainoo could be leaving in January.

The England midfielder was blocked from departing on-loan over the summer, but remains unsettled.

Jones, who has coached inside the club's academy, said on Stadium Astro: "Kobbie is a player that I really, really admire. I loved watching him come into the team and I remember his performance at Everton away, his first start.

"He absolutely bossed the game, he really dictated it. He was terrific that night, it was a mature performance, and he carried on that season. He did really well. Played in a lot of games.

"It just looks like at the minute he’s out of favour. The manager’s already come out and stated that he’s not going to be playing with Bruno. It’s going to be him or the other and you’re not going to dislodge Bruno in the form that he’s in and the way that he carries the team at times with his assists and goals.

"So, he’s going to find it difficult for games and United aren’t in any European competitions this season. So, there’s not another competition that he might have got some game time in.

"Time will tell, but I think by Christmas and January time, if he’s not had the game time that he’ll like, then I’m sure he’ll be trying to force a loan move."