Kobbie Mainoo: Tottenham pile pressure on Man United over midfielder’s future | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo’s tricky situation at Manchester United has almost every top European club on alert.

Dubbed a generational talent in early 2024 by teammate Rasmus Hojlund, it is frustrating that he has never quite managed to break into Ruben Amorim’s starting line-up.

Last season, the argument was that he lacked the defensive qualities required to play in central midfield.

Over the summer, it was reported that Mainoo was working with a club-appointed strength and conditioning coach to improve his pace and explosiveness.

It was suggested that this extra training would position him perfectly to take on a key role in Amorim’s team, but that has not materialised.

Mainoo began the new season on the bench, and after realising his situation was not improving, he reportedly asked to be allowed to leave.

Desire to play

The outstanding United academy graduate, desperate for game time, was keen to go out on loan before the transfer deadline.

Fearing that continued bench time would jeopardise his chances of making England’s World Cup squad, Mainoo pushed for a move.

But United refused to entertain the idea, even on a straight loan exit with no option to buy, with claims that the midfielder still harboured ambitions of making it at Old Trafford.

Some believed sticking with him would eventually pay off. So far, it has not.

Ahead of the Manchester derby, Amorim admitted that while Mainoo is talented, his lack of positional awareness is preventing him from becoming a perfect fit for United’s midfield.

Unsurprisingly, Mainoo did not start against Manchester City.

Eye-catching cameo

Yet coming off the bench and delivering a masterclass in a 28-minute cameo has left most United fans convinced Amorim now has no excuse not to reward him with a starting role.

Whether Mainoo starts against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday night remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: sooner or later, United must show the Englishman they value his talent by giving him consistent game time.

Top clubs, such as Napoli, Newcastle, and Real Madrid, are watching closely, and they are not alone.

Dean Jones reveals on Tribal Football that Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on Mainoo.

Spurs keen on Mainoo

Jones reports: “Spurs touched base during the summer transfer window to explore whether a deal could be struck, but United were not willing to let him leave.”

With Mainoo clearly struggling for minutes, Jones adds: “Tottenham, meanwhile, are watching developments closely. Sources indicate that they remain extremely keen and see Mainoo as a player who ticks a number of boxes for the profile of midfielder they want to add to their squad.”

Such revelations only increase the pressure on United. They need to keep Mainoo happy.

And the only way to do that is by giving him game time. If they do, the idea of him leaving will be dead and buried.

But if he continues to warm the bench heading into the winter transfer window, Mainoo may well push for an exit.

That would play straight into the hands of his suitors.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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