3 weeks ago
17
Academy record in danger
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Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United future appears uncertain with the England international reportedly open to leaving Old Trafford. Mainoo hasn’t featured in United’s two Premier League fixtures this season and he’s firmly down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim. The 20-year-old cut a dejected figure after United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on Saturday with Amorim explaining why he remained an unused substitute post-match.
Amorim said: "He’s fighting for the position now with Bruno Fernandes and I changed two midfielders. I let Mason Mount play there because we wanted to score a goal and when I changed I felt the team needed to return to one holding midfielder near Bruno. He (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno, as his future should be at Manchester United. He’s going to play with Bruno, but at the moment he’s fighting in training with Bruno for the position." It seems unthinkable that Mainoo could leave United after his incredible breakthrough season and unquestionable ability. Moreover, United’s record of having an academy player in every matchday squad since 1937 is also at risk under Amorim. The New York Times has claimed that Mainoo would consider leaving before the end of the transfer window and we’ve analysed six potential destinations.
Six Kobbie Mainoo potential transfer destinations
Chelsea
Chelsea were strongly linked with a move for Mainoo in January and it was widely reported that Stamford Bridge would be appealing to him. The Blues aren’t afraid to delve into the transfer market and they have money to spend with their net spend this summer under €30m. Chelsea are well-stacked in central midfield with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos. But Mainoo could represent an irresistible market opportunity and he’d fit Chelsea’s recruitment strategy of signing youngsters with huge potential on relatively modest wages.
Bayern Munich
The Bundesliga champions were also linked with a move for Mainoo in January. Bayern Munich have explored the English market regularly across recent seasons with Luis Diaz, Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Eric Dier all moving to Germany. Bayern’s squad remains relatively small and they could use an extra midfielder with injuries to Tom Bischoff and Jamal Musiala. Mainoo could absolutely shine in the Bundesliga in a team that will dominate possession in every game and it would be a shrewd move.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan were strongly linked with a move for Mainoo earlier this window, although United’s asking price could be prohibitive. Inter are currently embarking on a rebuild as they aim to lower the average age of their squad and Mainoo would fit their transfer policy. The slower pace of Serie A would suit Mainoo’s skillset and he’d expect to nail down a regular starting place in Milan. Italian clubs famously prefer loaning players and including buy-options, so it’s unclear whether this would appeal to United.
Juventus
According to reports in Italy earlier this summer, Juventus have been monitoring Mainoo’s situation at United. The Englishman didn’t start a single game from the quarter-finals onwards on United’s run to the Europa League final last season and Juventus could offer him regular minutes. Juventus will also participate in the Champions League this season and that could appeal to Mainoo and he’s become their most valuable midfielder.
Real Madrid
The Spanish giants are monitoring Mainoo's situation, according to the Daily Mail. They reported on Wednesday evening that both Madrid clubs were interested in a potential loan deal for the United midfielder. Los Blancos' midfield balance has been questionable under Xabi Alonso and Mainoo could join countryman Jude Bellingham and Trent-Alexander Arnold in Real Madrid.
Brighton
Brighton are far from a European giant and would represent a left-field option. Any move to the Seagulls would only be a loan deal as Mainoo is highly unlikely to join them on a permanent deal. But it’s a World Cup year and Mainoo will have ambitions of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad and Brighton could offer the opportunity to showcase his ability. Many Manchester United fans dreamt of a midfield duo of Mainoo and Carlos Baleba this summer and that would be an excellent partnership for Brighton. Tottenham have also been linked to Mainoo but they are well-stacked for midfield options.
