Kobbie Mainoo: Phil Jones makes January transfer prediction on star after win vs. Chelsea | OneFootball

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has issued a January transfer prediction involving Kobbie Mainoo after he was named on the bench again for Sunday’s meeting with Chelsea.

Mainoo’s struggles for playing time continue

Since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has struggled for regular minutes, with the Portuguese coach yet to settle on a role for the youngster.

This season, Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match. He has only managed 76 minutes from the five opening fixtures. He came on in the 85th minute of the 2-1 win over Chelsea, replacing Bruno Fernandes.

Amorim made it clear that Mainoo is battling Fernandes for a starting place. Late in the summer transfer window, the talented midfielder requested a loan move to secure regular minutes and boost his England chances ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but United blocked the switch.

Right now, there is little indication that Mainoo will secure a breakthrough under Amorim, and Jones has suggested the 20-year-old could depart if the situation persists.

Jones makes Mainoo transfer prediction

Jones said on Stadium Astro, “Kobbie is a player that I really, really admire. I loved watching him come into the team and I remember his performance at Everton away, his first start. He absolutely bossed the game, he really dictated it. He was terrific that night, it was a mature performance, and he carried on that season. He did really well. Played in a lot of games.”

“It just looks like at the minute he’s out of favour. The manager’s already come out and stated that he’s not going to be playing with Bruno.”

“It’s going to be him or the other and you’re not going to dislodge Bruno in the form that he’s in and the way that he carries the team at times with his assists and goals.”

Jones continued, “So, he’s going to find it difficult for games and United aren’t in any European competitions this season. So, there’s not another competition that he might have got some game time in.”

“Time will tell, but I think by Christmas and January time, if he’s not had the game time that he’ll like, then I’m sure he’ll be trying to force a loan move.”

Should Mainoo depart, there would be no shortage of takers for the Carrington graduate. Interest was already high in the summer, with several clubs lining up when reports of a possible exit surfaced.

United are back in action on Saturday when they face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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