Kobbie Mainoo isn’t going anywhere in January, and not because United are blocking him, but because they simply can’t afford to lose him.
Right now, he’s the only like-for-like replacement for the Bruno Fernandes in Amorim’s squad.
With injuries already piling up and the midfield stretched thin, letting Mainoo leave would create a problem the manager has no solution for.
Sources close to the player suggest that, for the first time, Mainoo has at least thought about his future away from Old Trafford.
That frustration is understandable especially with long spells on the sidelines, limited minutes, and constant noise around his role would test any young player’s patience.
But from United’s side, the stance is clear. They don’t want to sell, and they don’t need to, and only a huge offer would even start a conversation.
And unless the club can secure one of their priority midfield targets, names like Wharton, Anderson or Baleba, allowing Mainoo to go would leave Amorim in an impossible position.
This has nothing to do with emotions or any kind of narratives, it’s more about our squad depth at the moment.
So taking Mainoo out of this squad without proper reinforcements means our midfield would collapse if any additional injury comes up.
For now, it’s straightforward. Mainoo has to stay because Amorim needs him, and any real discussion about his future should only happen when United are strong enough to function without him, which they clearly aren’t yet.
