Out-of-favour Kobbie Mainoo is pushing for a loan move away from Manchester United in the January transfer window, but his wishes may not come true. The 20-year-old midfielder has lost his starting position under coach Ruben Amorim after breaking into the Manchester United team under former manager Erik ten Hag.
Amorim has constantly pointed out that Mainoo is in contention with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the playing XI, which has forced him to the bench and appearances as a substitute. Mainoo tried hard for a loan move in the summer transfer window, with clubs like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid showing interest in him. But United stood firm and held him back.
The 40-year-old Amorim has constantly said in press conferences that United see Mainoo as a long-term investment and they want him to fight for a spot in the team. Nonetheless, the Manchester United academy player is once again being linked with a loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
Man United make Mainoo loan decision
Media reports in Europe link him to a possibility of moving to Napoli on a temporary deal, where Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund is currently playing his trade on loan. The links with Real and Atleti also continue to make the rounds in the media.
Mainoo, however, could be made to wait till the end of 2025. According to TBR Football, United have told Mainoo that he will need to wait till the end of the year before a decision on his leaving the club on loan can be taken.
“Kobbie Mainoo is unsettled to say the least. He is not playing, there is no new contract – it is easy to see why he is not too happy," TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey said.
“But the club have told him to wait until the end of the year – they want him to see what the situation is at that point.”
Mainoo is yet to start in the Premier League this season, while Man United sit 14th in the table with three defeats from six matches.