Man United perform dramatic Kobbie Mainoo transfer U-turn | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly made a stunning transfer U-turn on Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the January transfer window.

United blocked Mainoo’s summer exit

Mainoo has so far struggled to nail down a regular starting berth under Ruben Amorim, who admitted earlier this season that the player is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth.

Mainoo is still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season and has only played 76 minutes in total, including his brief appearance in United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

As the summer window drew to a close, Mainoo pushed for a loan exit, hoping to secure regular minutes before the 2026 World Cup. United blocked his request as multiple suitors lined up to secure his signature, either permanently or on loan.

He was linked to the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and AS Roma, just to name a few clubs.

However, if the situation persists, Mainoo has been tipped to angle for a move in January but a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils have no desire to offload him.

Now, an update has been issued, claiming that United are open to the prospect of his departure, but only if they can secure a replacement.

United make Mainoo transfer U-turn

According to Football Insider, United could be convinced to let Mainoo leave if they are able to bring in a like-for-like replacement.

Peter O’Rourke said, “If he’s not playing regularly under Ruben Amorim, he might be keen on a move away, which was seemingly the case this summer.”

“I just think it’s a difficult deal to do because United don’t really want to lose him.”

“And obviously if United are to sanction a move from him, it would only be if they could bring in a replacement in midfield.”

Casemiro’s red card against Chelsea opens the door for Mainoo to potentially start on Saturday against Brentford, though Manuel Ugarte is also in contention.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social