Man United must offer Kobbie Mainoo in part-exchange to complete January double deal
Man United could use Kobbie Mainoo’s desire to seal a move away from the club in January to their advantage as they aim to replace him in midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo’s future was up in the air throughout the summer window and he looked set to depart Man United close to the deadline after a lack of minutes at the start of the season.
Mainoo requested to leave Man United on loan before the deadline in early September, but boss Ruben Amorim insisted that he wanted him to stay and “fight for his place” in the team.
The 20-year-old has still failed to feature as much as he would like to, with just eight appearances in all competitions so far this term and no starts in the Premier League.
Football Insider recently revealed that Man United have halted contract talks with Mainoo amid uncertainty about his future at Old Trafford, and they could use him to secure the signature of another player who wants out of his club.
Man United should offer Mainoo in exchange for Conor Gallagher
Mainoo’s potential departure surely means the Red Devils will be looking to add to their midfield in the new year, despite his lack of impact so far this season.
Recent reports emerged stating that United were offered the chance to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan on transfer deadline day in September, but instead opted to bring in Senne Lammens.
That was a pretty understandable decision considering their dire goalkeeper situation at that point in time, but January looks set to provide them with another chance to potentially snap up the Englishman.
Former club chief scout Mick Brown recently revealed to Football Insider that United are planning to swoop for Gallagher in January as an alternative to Elliot Anderson.
Sky Sports (24 November) have now reported that numerous Premier League clubs are expected to queue-up for Gallagher in the new year after he recently admitted that he is “not satisfied” with his lack of minutes on the field this season.
It is, however, understood that Atletico have little desire to loan him out in January, so only a permanent move will suffice if United are to snap him up.
That reveal could mean the stars align for two moves to happen in tandem, with Mainoo potentially used as a makeweight for Gallagher to move to Old Trafford for a fee.
Neither player is happy with their current situation, and both want to play more to get into the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
Mainoo was linked to Atletico late in the summer window, so there looks to be some prior interest in his services, and it could make real sense for each player to go opposite ways in the new year.
Ruben Amorim’s thoughts on Mainoo’s future at United
Amorim has admitted that he does not want Mainoo to leave United, but his lack of minutes so far this season have suggested otherwise.
When asked about the 20-year-old’s situation ahead of a derby clash against Man City in September, the Portuguese boss said: “I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed because I didn’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having a conversation with him just to hold on to him. I did it this week.
“I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player].
“I think he can do so much better. For some guys [talent] is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie and that’s it.”
More recently, ahead of their game against Everton on Monday (24 November), Amorim insisted that the club’s needs will come before Mainoo’s, as he said: “I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there. I know what it means.
“But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not I have to think about the team.”