Kobbie Mainoo: United ace open to Real Madrid loan in January | OneFootball

Manchester United refused to allow Kobbie Mainoo to leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer. The English midfielder was concerned that he might struggle for chances under Ruben Amorim, and asked to leave on loan in search of regular football.

Several clubs were interested in his signature, including Napoli, but the Premier League giants held firm. Mainoo is considered one of the brightest young prospects at Old Trafford and the Red Devils were eager for him to continue his development at the club.

However, the 20 year old’s fears proved to be well-founded. Mainoo bore the brunt of Matheus Cunha’s arrival over the summer.

Ruben Amorim shifted Bruno Fernandes into the pivot to accommodate the Brazilian in attack and the Englishman was subsequently relegated to the bench. Mainoo is yet to start a game in the Premier League, and has clocked just 113 minutes of action in the league out of a possible 630.

A wanted man in the summer

With Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order, Mainoo’s situation at United remains uncertain. Despite his struggles, the player’s stock remains high, and several clubs are eyeing him with interest.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte is reportedly a fan of the Englishman and has asked the Serie A champions to sign him in January. Recent reports have also suggested that the player is unsettled at Old Trafford and is likely to request a loan exit again at the turn of the year.

According to Defensa Central, Mainoo is open to a temporary move to Real Madrid in January. The deal could appeal to the LaLiga giants as well, as they are likely to seek short-term solutions in the winter.

Xabi Alonso’s midfield has been weakened following Luka Modric’s departure this summer, while Dani Ceballos’ future remains uncertain.

The Spanish manager, as such, could jump at the opportunity to add Mainoo to his ranks, even if just for a few months. However, the Englishman may not be guaranteed regular playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu either.

United must accommodate Mainoo in the first team

A recent report from The Peoples Person, meanwhile, has stated that United are unlikely to let Mainoo leave in January. However, unless the player secures regular game time in the coming weeks, speculation over his future is likely to persist.

Amorim must find a way to include the Englishman in his starting XI, or the Red Devils risk losing a tremendous talent in the near future. The youngster’s contract at the Theatre of Dreams expires in 2027.

Mainoo starred in the FA Cup final for United in 2024 and also started the Euro 2024 final for England. He has all the qualities to become an Old Trafford great, and his potential departure could reflect very poorly on the club.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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