Kobbie Mainoo: Man United legend sets midfield prodigy challenge that could transform his fortunes under Amorim | OneFootball

Whether Kobbie Mainoo will still be at Manchester United come deadline day of the winter transfer window remains to be seen.

The United prodigy is being heavily linked with a January move away from Old Trafford.

Under head coach Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has struggled for minutes, limited to brief cameo appearances that offer little chance to build rhythm or showcase his talent.

World Cup hopes

With ambitions to return to the England fold and eventually earn a place in the World Cup squad, it is clear that his lack of game time is harming his chances.

Mainoo needs regular game time to find consistency and remind everyone what he is capable of, especially if Thomas Tuchel is to consider him for England’s Three Lions midfield.

That is why talk of a January exit is intensifying. Just as he did last summer, the 20-year-old is expected to push for a temporary move in a bid to stake his claim for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Top teams circling, and United’s stance

Top European sides like Napoli, Real Madrid and Manchester City have all been linked with Mainoo’s services. And with the window approaching, more suitors are expected to enter the fold.

However, reports suggest United will once again reject any transfer request.

With Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui set to represent their nations at AFCON between December and January, United’s squad depth will be “tested”.

INEOS believe allowing Mainoo or Joshua Zirkzee to leave would be a costly mistake, so they are prepared to block both exits.

Ferdinand’s challenge

While Mainoo may feel frustrated by that stance, Rio Ferdinand has laid down a challenge.

The United legend has urged him to stay and fight for his place, pointing to Casemiro as the perfect role model.

“Watch and learn,” Ferdinand said on YouTube.

“There was a player being told he’s not good enough for Manchester United—exactly what Mainoo’s been through. I think character-wise, personality-wise, there’s a lot to learn from Casemiro. Yes, football-wise too, but they’re very different players.”

He then warned him against taking the easy way out:

“Casemiro’s fight is what I think a lot of fans wanted from Rashford, from Sancho, from Antony. Those guys have gone elsewhere now.”

Ferdinand believes Mainoo can do what Rashford did not:

“Especially Rashford, because he’s homegrown. Just stay and fight. Be here and fight for it. Be a Man Utd player. Hold on—grit your teeth and hold on by your fingernails. But sometimes it’s just not the way.”

Amorim can be swayed

Casemiro has already shown that Amorim can be won over. The Brazilian midfielder proved that effort on the training pitch may get you in the good books of the Portuguese tactician.

At one point, it was like Casemiro was frozen out of Amorim’s plans. Now, he is a regular fixture in the United line-up.

If Mainoo continues to improve his athleticism and defensive game, he will slowly but surely force his way into contention.

As talented as he is, it may only take one game. One standout performance, and Amorim may have no choice but to embrace him.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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