Man United star set to push for January exit amid Amorim frustration | OneFootball

Mainoo’s Future Under Amorim Raises Major Questions at Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo is weighing up his Manchester United future after limited involvement under Ruben Amorim, with the young midfielder prepared to seek a loan move if his situation does not improve before January.

The 20-year-old, once seen as one of United’s most promising academy graduates, has found himself frustrated by a lack of playing time since Amorim took charge at Old Trafford. Despite assurances in recent private talks that he remains part of the Portuguese coach’s plans, Mainoo’s prospects have yet to significantly shift.

Mainoo’s battle for game time

Mainoo’s rise last year included a standout role at Euro 2024, where he started in England’s final against Spain in Berlin. That summer felt like the beginning of a breakthrough. Instead, twelve months later, his progress has stalled.

Since Amorim’s arrival, Mainoo has made just four appearances this season, with a solitary start coming in United’s Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby. He has consistently found himself competing directly with Bruno Fernandes for a midfield role, leaving him on the periphery of Amorim’s system.

A potential loan move was discussed during the summer, but United hierarchy resisted the idea, urging the midfielder to stay and fight for his place. Mainoo accepted that decision and worked tirelessly in training, but the reality is that his opportunities remain scarce.

Amorim’s stance on midfield options

Amorim is understood to view Mainoo as a long-term asset, yet he is unwilling to compromise on his selection policy. The 39-year-old has told the midfielder to continue pushing in training and prove he deserves more minutes. For now, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro remain integral to United’s midfield balance, leaving Mainoo squeezed out.

The situation has been further complicated by United’s uneven start to the campaign. Results have increased scrutiny on Amorim, but instead of experimenting with younger players, he has relied heavily on his most experienced figures. Mainoo, despite his promise, has been one of the casualties of that approach.

England ambitions at risk

Mainoo’s frustrations extend beyond Old Trafford. Thomas Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate as England manager, has made clear that he will not consider the youngster for international duty until he secures regular minutes.

That stance is a crushing blow to Mainoo, who has ambitions of making England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. His involvement at Euro 2024 showed he has the quality to operate on the biggest stage, but without consistent football at United, his chances of being recalled appear slim.

January decision looming

Unless there is a turnaround in the coming months, Mainoo is expected to push once again for a temporary move in the January window. The midfielder’s preference is to continue at Manchester United, but he is also determined to play regularly to avoid losing momentum in his career.

Amorim’s challenge is to balance the club’s long-term investment in Mainoo with the immediate demands of stabilising a faltering season. For now, the midfielder’s patience is wearing thin, and the next few months could prove decisive in shaping both his United career and international ambitions.