Kobbie Mainoo has only started one match for Manchester United this season and continues to be linked with a departure in the January transfer window, with Napoli the favourites to sign him
Ruben Amorim has revealed the he could deviate from his preferred formation and save Kobbie Mainoo’s career at Manchester United. Mainoo, 20, is yet to start a Premier League game nearly halfway through the season and is tipped to leave in the January transfer window, either on loan or permanently.
Italian giants Napoli have been heavily linked with a move after failing with an approach in the summer, with the 10-time England international desperate for regular game time ahead of the World Cup. Mainoo also has just 18 months left on his current deal at Old Trafford, with talk of a new contract going quiet.
Amorim has been reluctant to use the midfielder, preferring Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as his starting pair while often turning to Manuel Ugarte as Casemiro’s replacement in the second half of matches. Mainoo’s only start came in August, as United were beaten on penalties by Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Now, though, the Red Devils boss has hinted that he could give the academy graduate a lifeline by playing an extra midfielder and dropping a forward. Ahead of United’s clash with Bournemouth on Monday, Amorim was asked if he rated Mainoo, who’s only started 16 of his 58 games in charge.
“Of course, like everyone else. The problem is we are playing with two [in midfield] and you guys see Kobbie in a different way than I’m seeing,” the Portuguese boss replied.
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“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 [Collyer] and now he is a starter.”
Amorim went on to say: “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.
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“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.”
The United manager was asked a total of seven questions about Mainoo during his press conference, most notably adding that he’s willing to sit down and discuss a January exit.
“First of all, the team comes first. If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him,” Amorim continued.
“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. But again, the focus is on this game. We will see if that happens.”
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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 £192 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.
