Manchester United are bracing for approaches for Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window with the midfielder yet to start a Premier League game this season
Ryan Giggs has urged Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Manchester United, despite Alan Shearer and Nicky Butt suggesting the youngster should look elsewhere for regular game time. Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League match this season and has made 11 substitute appearances under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Monday’s 4-4 home draw with Bournemouth saw Mainoo come off the bench to a warm reception from the Old Trafford crowd. His lack of regular minutes has fuelled growing speculation about his future, with the January transfer window set to open next month.
Chelsea, West Ham and Napoli are among the clubs credited with an interest in signing Mainoo in recent weeks, although reports suggest United have no intention of letting the midfielder leave Old Trafford in January despite the speculation.
Giggs, meanwhile, believes the 20‑year‑old should remain patient and take his chances when he’s given them. “I can see where the lads [Scholes and Butt] are coming from,” the Reds’ icon told betting comparison site BetSelect.
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“As a footballer, you want to play. But I would have more patience because he is only 20, and it is difficult to play centre midfield for Man United. It’s like a striker. You don’t see many really young strikers playing for Man United because it is difficult. We all feel that he should be getting more minutes, but he needs to be patient.
Giggs continued: “He’s still young, he’s still learning the game. And when he does get his chance, he needs to take it. So I’d like to see him stay.”
Meanwhile, Shearer has previously explained why it might be in Mainoo’s best interest to leave United and why a move could also benefit the Reds. “Clearly the manager doesn’t fancy Kobbie Mainoo,” the Newcastle United icon said.
“Because if you can’t get into a team when they’re really struggling, then there’s an issue. And I guess it looks from the outside as if a move would be better off for all parties.
“This is not the first time we’ve seen that Manchester United players are not fitting into what the manager wants.
“And he hasn’t been afraid to get rid of them or let them go out on loan or sell them. And that looks as if it’s going to be the case for him. I don’t know, I’m not inside the club, I don’t know what his attitude’s like.
“But I guess looking from the outside, then it would be best for both parties if he could get out and play some football in January and onwards. Whether that’s on loan or whether that’s a permanent deal, then we’ll have to wait and see.
“But clearly, if you’re not playing, you have to look at the situation and get out.”
Butt, who shares the same view, said: “For his football career, he has to leave Manchester United. He’s lost 18 months of development.
“I hope he goes abroad because it is embarrassing if he goes to Chelsea which they might go and get him, they are putting together a very young squad.”
