Man United ready to ‘block’ Kobbie Mainoo transfer
Kobbie Mainoo continues to dream of a season-changing move in January if Man United allow it.
Sources told Football Insider that Man United would be willing to part with Mainoo if they could find a midfield replacement in the upcoming windows.
The Red Devils currently have Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte who are all ahead of the young Englishman in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Reflecting this, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Man United and Ruben Amorim are at odds over the treatment of Mainoo.
Man United remain undeterred from letting go of Mainoo despite interest from Premier League and Europe
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the United academy graduate will struggle to force through any kind of move in January.
Sources told Football Insider that Newcastle’s advances for Mainoo will be blocked with the Red Devils adamant on keeping the midfielder.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think [Mainoo leaving] in January is due to his desire to be playing regularly to try and boost his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad for England.
“Newcastle showed a bit of interest in the summer. Tottenham are also linked with him as well and there’s been talk that there’s interest from Napoli in Italy as well. I would imagine there’ll be a lot of clubs looking at Mainoo’s situation.
“If he’s not playing regularly between now and January, and if the player does push for a potential move away, then there’s is a real possibility that he could move.
“But, Manchester United don’t really want to let Kobbie Mainoo leave. They did the same in the summer when there was a bit of talk that he could leave and the player was ready to move on in search of regular first-team football.
“They blocked any move from Mainoo and I would imagine they would look to do the same in January because he probably will be needed by United for this season in case there’s any injuries or anything else.
“They’ll be confident that they can keep all of them and I don’t think they’ll be willing to let such a talented player like that leave United when they probably need all their best players to help Ruben Amorim have a successful season.”
Elliot Anderson pursuit could influence Mainoo exit
Brown exclusively told Football Insider on 8 September that Man United must consider signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The Red Devils have been eager to bring in a world-class midfielder since last summer with the club prepared to hold off on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
A successful swoop for the Englishman could lead to Mainoo being allowed to explore his options with Amorim satisfied by an impactful midfield addition.
However, sources told Football Insider that Newcastle are accelerating a bid to re-sign Anderson which could harm United’s pursuit.
Failure to bring in the number eight to Old Trafford would likely see the dejected Red Devil academy graduate stay at the club, despite aspirations of returning to the Three Lions set-up.