Manchester United unlikely to sanction Kobbie Mainoo exit this winter | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo will likely push for a move away from Manchester United in the winter transfer window. 

However, Sky Sports News claims the Red Devils will not sanction an exit for the 20-year-old before Bruno Fernandes recovers from injury. 

Fernandes picked up a hamstring issue during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. The extent of the 31-year-old’s injury is unknown, but he could be out for around a month. 

Manager Ruben Amorim views Mainoo as Fernandes’ understudy. He missed Sunday’s trip to Villa with a calf issue and will also be unavailable for the Boxing Day match against Newcastle United. 

However, his injury is thought to be less serious than Fernandes’. 

Maino has made 84 senior appearances for United, but his role has been limited since Amorim was appointed last year.

The Portuguese boss views the 20-year-old as a number eight, thus competing with Fernandes for the same spot. 

Mainoo is yet to start in the Premier League this season, with all his 11 top-flight appearances coming off the bench. 

As Fernandes’ natural replacement, the youngster would probably have started against Newcastle on Friday. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.