Man Utd make decision on Kobbie Mainoo's future ahead of January transfer window

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United have outlined their intentions when it comes to the departure of Kobbie Mainoo in January. The out-of-favour midfielder has struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim this season, after being told he could not leave on loan during the summer window. The Red Devils have assessed the situation again, and made a decision on their academy graduate's short-term future as we head towards the January market.

Mainoo going nowhere

United reportedly have no plans to sell Mainoo during the January transfer window, despite the midfielder yet to start a Premier League match this season, according to The Guardian. The club’s hierarchy remain confident in the 20-year-old’s long-term prospects and are unwilling to part with an academy graduate they believe still has significant potential, even if the current manager may not see it. While a temporary loan move has not been ruled out, United do not want to make a permanent decision on Mainoo’s future midway through the campaign.

Ruben Amorim has left Mainoo out of his league starting line-ups so far this season but has indicated that opportunities remain available if he can impress during training. The United head coach has also suggested the England international could develop into a deeper midfield role in the future, rather than being limited to the advanced position currently occupied by Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, Amorim said Mainoo could be used as a holding midfielder further down the line, having previously framed his competition for places more narrowly. He said: "If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him. I'm not going to say what I'm going to say to Kobbie, but I will be really pleased if Kobbie is coming to talk to me about that. I just want my players [to be] happy and understand that every individual has their goals. The frustration doesn't help anybody."

"The problem is we are playing with two [in midfield] and you guys see Kobbie in a different way than I'm seeing. Maybe if you play with three midfielders, not with just two, Kobbie will have more minutes. Imagine that this happens. Someone in front is going to lose their spot. Sometimes it's just the moment. I think I proved that if you change my mind [you can get into the team]. Casemiro is the biggest example. He was behind Toby and now he is a starter. The door is open for any player to change my mind. But in the end, it's going to be the training, the games. Of course, he's not playing so many games, but Kobbs, he had opportunities, especially last year. I just look at the team and try to win the next game. I will do that until the end."

"Kobbs is one more player that I understand all the interests. I understand how important it is. The hopes that you guys and English guys have. I also just want to win. If he's the right guy, I will put him in. No problem."

Manchester United v Sunderland - Premier League

Results improving under Amorim

United’s recent form has strengthened Amorim’s stubborn position on Mainoo. The club have lost just once in their last nine league matches, a run that has reinforced confidence in his selections and tactical approach, which have been thrown into doubt by the fanbase and pundits after a dismal campaign last term. Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated earlier this season that Amorim would be given time to implement his ideas, with a three-year period referenced as a realistic timeframe. Within the club, there is reportedly a reluctance to rush into decisions involving young players, particularly those developed through the academy. 

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Mainoo's patience to be rewarded?

Mainoo finds himself in a position of strength. While the club may be unwilling to sanction a permanent move right now, the power is in the player's hands. The 20-year-old's contract expires in 2027, less than two years from now. It is likely he will find himself in the following situation: Amorim is sacked and a new manager drafted in who will actually use the midfielder, or he can eventually move on to a new club, with almost his entire career left ahead of him. United fans would love to see him stay, and have certainly aired their frustrations at Mainoo's lack of minutes. Those in the travelling end at Wolves a few weeks ago produced an ironic cheer when Mainoo entered the pitch, even if it was only for 12 minutes.

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Can Mainoo redeem himself under Amorim?

Mainoo has once again been named on the bench for United's clash with Wolves on Monday night. But with the games coming thick and fast around Christmas, he could eventually be rewarded with his first start of the 2025-26 campaign.