Ruben Amorim says Kobbie Mainoo will not be allowed to leave Manchester United in January | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo wants more first-team action at Manchester United and is pushing for a loan exit in the winter transfer window. 

However, manager Ruben Amorim says the midfielder will not be allowed to leave United.

Speaking to the media before Saturday’s home fixture with Newcastle United, he said: “Kobbie will have the opportunity that he has all the time.

“He played in different positions. We talk about the position of Casemiro, [Mainoo] can do that position.

“If we play with three, he can play as we played in the last game [against Aston Villa] – the position of Mason Mount in this game, he can play there.

“So, in the future, he’s going to be the future of Manchester United. That is my feeling. You just need to wait for each chance. And everything can change in football in two days.”

Mainoo has been ruled out of the Newcastle game with a calf injury, but he is expected to be available for the festive period. 

The England international has not started a Premier League match this season, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order. 

However, Mainoo will likely start in the team on his return, as the club could be without Fernandes for potentially five league and cup games due to a hamstring issue.

United face a huge task against Newcastle on Boxing Day, who are unbeaten in their previous two fixtures across all competitions. 

The Red Devils are without Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire due to injury problems. 

Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are also playing for their respective nations at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Stats from Transfermarkt.