Revealed: Man United’s updated stance on accepting Kobbie Mainoo offer
Kobbie Mainoo has been constantly linked with a move away from Man United as he remains on the fringes of the squad under Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s side have enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, with Man United’s 4-2 win against Brighton last time out lifting them to sixth in the Premier League table.
They are now on a three-game winning streak after victories against Sunderland and Liverpool, with Amorim receiving high praise for United’s turnaround in form.
However, Mainoo played just 38 minutes across that three-game run, reigniting speculation about his long-term future and whether he could seek a move away from Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old has not started a single Premier League game for Man United this season, and has been keen to leave in search of more regular playing time.
Man United still refusing to budge on Kobbie Mainoo sale
Football Insider revealed on 27 October that Man United are still refusing to sell Mainoo as he remains a valuable squad player despite his lack of starts.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, they are unlikely to change their stance despite the level of interest in the midfielder and his desire to seek more regular playing time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Instead, Mainoo could see an increase in his playing time if either Bruno Fernandes or Casemiro suffer an injury during the course of the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “It’ll take a lot of things, think, for Man United’s stance to change. United don’t really want to let him go.
“They blocked moves for him in the summer window and their stance remains the same in January.
“Mainoo is frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities under Amorim this season, but Man United are an injury away in midfield from Mainoo getting back in that team.
“If Bruno Fernandes or Casemiro were sidelined through injury or suspension, Mainoo would be the obvious replacement in their team as well.
“United are fully planning to keep Kobbie Mainoo as they still feel he will have a role to play for them this season as they look to try and finish as high up the Premier League table as possible and to qualify for Europe, whether that’s top four or top six.”
This comes after United blocked Mainoo’s exit during the summer, when he requested to leave the club on loan due to fears over his minutes.
Newcastle and Napoli keeping tabs on Mainoo
Mick Brown told Football Insider on 25 August that Mainoo could be tempted to quit Man United as a result of the manager’s treatment of him so far this season.
He is now attracting plenty of interest ahead of the January window, with the likes of Napoli and Newcastle both keeping tabs on his situation.
However, United remain reluctant to let him leave given his role in the squad, causing frustrations both for the player and the interested parties.
Brown told Football Insider on 23 September that United and Amorim are at loggerheads over Mainoo, with the club recognising the player’s value despite the boss’ stance.
Amorim challenged Mainoo to improve and earn his place in the starting XI back, but has remained stubborn in his insistence that he must compete with Fernandes.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.