Kobbie Mainoo: When Chelsea plan to test Man United’s resolve to keep hold of wonderkid emerges | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future at Manchester United is under threat.

Like every footballer in a World Cup year, the 20-year-old United midfielder is desperate for more minutes to boost his chances of making England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

But with game time limited under Ruben Amorim, and no signs of that changing, his hopes of representing the Three Lions are hanging by a thread.

Mainoo had already anticipated a “tough” spell under Amorim.

Before the summer transfer window slammed shut, he submitted a loan request, asking the club to let him leave temporarily.

That plea was rejected. Forced to stay put at Old Trafford, the United academy graduate has endured a difficult start to the season.

Of United’s seven league games, he has featured in five, with all from the bench.

Even after a game like the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, where he delivered a masterclass cameo, Amorim remains unconvinced he should be starting.

The issue? He and Bruno Fernandes are competing for the same role. And with the Portuguese midfielder one of the first names on United’s teamsheet, Mainoo finds himself sidelined.

Reports continue to suggest he will push for a move away in January.

Napoli lead the transfer race

Several top European clubs have been linked with Mainoo ahead of the winter window.

Napoli appear to be leading the chase, with the Italian champions keen to give him his Old Trafford escape route.

While speculation grows over whether Mainoo will follow Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, a fresh twist has emerged.

Chelsea’s plan

Dean Jones claims Chelsea are considering reigniting their interest in Mainoo.

But their approach might surprise many. Via Teamtalk, Jones reports:

“Kobbie Mainoo remains a player of interest to Chelsea, but any approach to Manchester United is more likely to come at the end of the season rather than in January.”

Some argue that the Blues are missing a trick by not making a move for Mainoo this winter.

But explaining their stance, Jones adds:

“[Chelsea] are not looking to overload their midfield options in the short term – even though they would be keen to be in the conversation for him.”

Could Mainoo stay until the end of the season?

With Ruben Amorim’s long-term future at United uncertain, Jones suggests:

“Some sources believe Mainoo has to attempt to outlast Amorim at Old Trafford.”

That could prove pivotal in shaping the wonderkid’s future.

A Mancunian through and through, Mainoo may still believe he can make it at United, probably under a different manager.

Many fans would not mind that, with Amorim’s snubbing of Mainoo, one of several grievances held against the Portuguese tactician.

Rasmus Hojlund’s resurgence away from United already stings. If Mainoo becomes another “what could have been,” it will be too much for many United fans to bear.

A special player, the 2005-born midfielder is the kind of player a manager builds his team around. It is baffling that Amorim refuses to do just that.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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