A Manchester United legend, Paul Ince, has advised Kobbie Mainoo to seek a transfer away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window. Ince expressed concern that the 20-year-old midfielder's lack of playing time under current manager Ruben Amorim could jeopardize his chances of making England's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Mainoo, once considered a promising prospect within the club's youth ranks, has seen his first-team opportunities diminish significantly. After 15 Premier League matches this season, he hasn't been named in the starting lineup for a single one, accumulating a mere 183 minutes of playing time. This is a stark contrast to his breakthrough season in 2024 when he made a name for himself for both club and country.
Speaking to Covers.com, Ince stressed that Mainoo needs to prioritize regular playing time to secure his place in the England squad. He stated, "If I were in Mainoo's position, I'd be looking for a change of club in January. The World Cup would be my ultimate priority, and leaving Manchester United - permanently or on loan - appears to be the best option to secure a place in the England squad".
Reports indicate that Mainoo is frustrated by Amorim's reluctance to give him more opportunities. Despite Amorim acknowledging that Mainoo "deserves to be playing," he has consistently favored the experience of Casemiro and the influence of Bruno Fernandes in midfield. This has left Mainoo on the sidelines, hindering his development. It's been suggested that Amorim wants Mainoo to improve his off-the-ball work, which has led to his omission from the starting XI.
Manchester United, however, may not be willing to let Mainoo go. The club's hierarchy reportedly believes in his potential and sees a bright future for him at Old Trafford. Although Amorim is open to a loan move, the club is hesitant to make a permanent decision on Mainoo's future midway through the season. Amorim has stated that any player can earn a place in the team through their performances in training.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his club future, Mainoo is reportedly attracting interest from several top clubs. Caught Offside reports that Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Napoli are among more than a dozen clubs interested in signing Mainoo. It is also suggested that Mainoo would prefer to join Napoli, where he could team up with former United teammate Scott McTominay.
Amorim has hinted at a possible change in formation to accommodate Mainoo in the team. He suggested that playing three midfielders instead of two could give Mainoo more playing time, though this would mean dropping a forward. Amorim has also indicated that Mainoo could potentially be utilized in a deeper midfield role.
Mainoo has made 11 appearances for United this season, with only one start in a League Cup match against Grimsby Town. He has ten caps for the England national team and started in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. However, his lack of regular game time at United could jeopardize his chances of being included in the World Cup squad next year.
The situation remains fluid, and Mainoo's future at Manchester United is far from certain. While the club may be reluctant to let him leave, the player's desire for regular playing time and the potential impact on his international career could force a change.
