Explained: Why Amorim is unconvinced by Mainoo’s suitability to his setup – as Chelsea mull over summer swoop

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·2 avril 2025

Explained: Why Amorim is unconvinced by Mainoo’s suitability to his setup – as Chelsea mull over summer swoop

Manchester United are yet to tie Kobbie Mainoo down to a new contract, forcing them to consider a premature sale before he runs down his current terms.

The Red Devils needn’t worry over Mainoo’s future just yet, given that he remains locked in a deal with 2027 – plus the option of an additional season. However, the prospect of losing such a valuable asset in the form of a potentially world-class player is, of course, unthinkable for INEOS.

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Last season, the teenager enjoyed a meteoric breakthrough into the first-team after being trusted with a starting role by Erik ten Hag. His maiden campaign at senior level culminated with him in dreamland after he scored what would turn out to be the winning goal for United in the FA Cup final, during which they overturned arch-rivals Manchester City.

This time around, the 19-year-old has had to endure a considerably quieter term – albeit mostly due to injuries. He has featured in 25 matches across all competitions, though only 16 of those outings (10 as a starter) have come with Ruben Amorim at the helm.

The latest speculation over Mainoo’s future

Mainoo hasn’t played since the beginning of February. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Numerous reports have already done the rounds detailing United’s stance on parting ways with their academy graduate, much to the Old Trafford faithful’s dismay.

Manchester Evening News disclosed last week that part of the reason behind the club’s newly-adopted view is that Amorim has often been left dumbfounded at how best to use Mainoo, having utilised him defensively, as a No.10 and, for the home defeat to Crystal Palace in February, as the sole striker.

Such claims align with iNews’ latest revelation that Amorim ‘is not completely convinced Mainoo has the fitness levels to be a success in his system’. They add that the 10-capped international, valued at £70 million, is ‘of interest to Chelsea’, as is the struggling Alejandro Garnacho.