Manchester United have a clear position on Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford as clubs wonder about the midfield star’s availability in the January transfer window
Only an ‘exceptional offer’ will force Manchester United to consider selling Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window. Otherwise, the Red Devils have no plans to sell the young midfielder and are also reluctant to loan him out for the remainder of the season.
Mainoo, 20, was stopped from moving to Napoli during the summer window, and the Italian giants are one of a number of clubs interested in his services. Despite United’s reluctance to part ways with the academy product, the midfielder has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
It is reported that United see little incentive in loaning Mainoo out as he earns a modest salary, per Sky Sports. The Red Devils would also have to find new cover if they were to facilitate his exit.
That means Mainoo is likely to end the window frustrated. The midfielder’s brother was in attendance at Old Trafford on Monday and wore a shirt that said: “FREE KOBBIE MAINOO”.
The youngster has been unable to earn much playing time with Ruben Amorim preferring Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the centre of midfield. After shining for England at Euro 2024, Mainoo’s chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup group look slim.
READ MORE: Furious Man Utd bosses demand answers from Howard Webb after string of ‘unfair’ decisionsREAD MORE: Roy Keane slams Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘idiot’ brother and tells Man Utd star to forget transfer
United’s Portuguese head coach says Mainoo is in direct competition with key player and captain Fernandes, meaning it’s natural minutes will be limited. “We play with two midfielders,” Amorim said.
“We could change in the future but Kobbie Mainoo is playing in the same position as Bruno Fernandes and sometimes it’s really hard to take Bruno Fernandes out of the team and that is the only reason.”
Asked if he rates Mainoo highly, Amorim added: “Of course. Like everyone else.”
Former United captain Roy Keane does not believe staying at Old Trafford should be seen too negatively. He said: “Are you telling me he can’t sit there for another six months?
“He might think the manager might be gone in the summer, one or two of the senior players might be gone.
“He’s 20 years of age, what’s wrong with sitting and learning your trade? And even if you’re not getting a chance, we’ve all had to do it at different levels.
“Sometimes a manager is on your case and what you have to do is look at a manager and go ‘I’ll prove you wrong’. Every day is your challenge to prove to the manager and when that manager is picking the team I’m going to train like a beast and when you’re writing that team [as a manager] you’re going to go, ‘he has to play’. He’s got to get that in his mindset.
“And when he’s got his idiot of a brother doing all that… we shouldn’t even be giving his brother the time of day. Sometimes you’re just surrounded by idiots, especially the families.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
