Kobbie Mainoo out of Manchester United squad against Tottenham Hotspur after picking up a knock in training | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will not feature against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday after picking up a knock in training, according to The Athletic.

The England international was not spotted with the Man United squad that travelled today, but the injury is not a serious one.

Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils this term, with all his seven appearances coming off the bench.

The 20-year-old started the Carabao Cup game against Grimsby Town, weighing in with an assist, but Man United head coach Ruben Amorim prefers others ahead of him in his main starting XI.

18-year-old Jack Fletcher has replaced Mainoo in the squad taking on Spurs tomorrow having impressed in training in recent weeks.

It is a huge blow for a player trying to force his way back into first-team reckoning, and he will be desperate to leave Man United for regular playing opportunities elsewhere in January.

Reports from earlier this week claim that his representatives are in talks with Napoli over a loan move ahead of the second half of 2025-26.

Mainoo believes playing under Napoli manager Antonio Conte can get the best out of him, and he will be hoping Man United will allow him to leave after holding on to him in the summer.

The Red Devils have won three and drawn one of their last four games, but their academy graduate has played just 38 minutes across those games.

Amorim is clearly not a fan of his style of play as it does not suit his system, and it makes sense for both parties to part ways temporarily or permanently in January.

Mainoo wants to prove himself at another club after breaking into the England national team at Man United.

Failure to secure a much-needed exit from his childhood club in the coming weeks means he will not be going to the World Cup next summer.