Sources: Man United’s updated stance on Kobbie Mainoo transfer revealed
Man United have no plans to lose Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window and he is now likely to be a big part of the next manager’s plans.
Ruben Amorim had no plans for Mainoo, and had afforded him just one start so far this season, but he will be given another chance following the boss’ dismissal.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, United had no plans to sell the 20-year-old even if Amorim had remained in charge, and they hope will be given the chance to impress under the new boss’ management.
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Man United are considering Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the front-runner to become their interim manager.
Solskjaer is believed to be an admirer of the England international, as if current caretaker boss Darren Fletcher, and will give him a shot back in the starting XI.
Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Man United after Ruben Amorim sack
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United will block Mainoo’s exit in January as he remains part of their plans.
Despite having been out of favour under Amorim, he is seen as a long-term part of the club’s plans having come through as one of the gems from their academy.
The arrival of a new manager, be it on a permanent or interim basis, is now being treated as a clean slate for everybody at the club including Mainoo.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “When a new manager comes in, it’s a clean slate for everybody. Obviously, Kobbie Mainoo was frustrated with his lack of first-team minutes at United under Ruben Amorim.
“If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comes in or Darren Fletcher keeps the job, it will mean more opportunities for him.
“United didn’t really want to lose Kobbie Mainoo in January anyway because their squad is so short, they don’t have a lot of depth in that midfield area.
“Even if Amorim had have stayed in charge, there were no plans to lose him.
“Maybe Mainoo himself might have pushed for a move away, but now with a new manager coming in, I’m sure he will be hoping to take the opportunity to impress and to get more first team minutes in that team as well.”
Who will be the next Man United manager?
Man United are expected to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season before setting their sights on a big-name permanent manager.
Michael Carrick remains a strong contender for the role, and it is currently seen as a two-horse race, but Solskjaer‘s experience has made him the preferred option.
Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss following an interim spell.
Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, of Crystal Palace and Bournemouth respectively, are both leading contenders for the position at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is one of the names on their shortlist following his dramatic exit from Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.
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