Kobbie Mainoo Considers January Exit from Manchester United Despite Recent Talks with Ruben Amorim

Key Takeaways:

• Kobbie Mainoo has remained open to leaving Manchester United in the January transfer window after meeting with Ruben Amorim last week
• The midfielder has made only four appearances this season, starting just once in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby
• Mainoo’s hopes of featuring in next summer’s World Cup rest on securing more regular playing time

Uncertain Future Amid Frustrations at Old Trafford

Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United has come under renewed doubt, as the 20-year-old midfielder continues to consider departing the club in January despite holding fresh discussions with manager Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has grown increasingly frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford, a situation that has left his career stalling over the past twelve months.

The young England international had captured attention with his performances at Euro 2024, starting in the final against Spain in Berlin. However, since Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager in place of Gareth Southgate, Mainoo has not been selected, further endangering his World Cup ambitions.

🚨 Kobbie Mainoo is prepared to leave Manchester United in January in search of regular football. He had a loan request turned down by the club in the summer.

(Source: @MirrorFootball) pic.twitter.com/9Xj8rB6ikR

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 25, 2025

Lack of Minutes and Fierce Midfield Competition

This season, Mainoo has featured just four times for Manchester United, with only one start coming in the Carabao Cup’s notorious defeat to Grimsby. Having aimed for a move away in the summer due to limited playing time, Mainoo’s pleas for a loan were denied by club officials, leaving him to battle for a place in the side dominated by captain Bruno Fernandes.

Despite intensifying his efforts in training and hoping for a turnaround following United’s poor start to the campaign, Mainoo’s situation has not improved. Manager Ruben Amorim met with Mainoo privately last week, affirming his inclusion in future plans but challenging the midfielder to demonstrate more in order to secure a regular spot.

International Implications and January Outlook

With Thomas Tuchel making it clear he will not recall Mainoo to the national team unless the player accumulates more minutes, the pressure on the midfielder to seek opportunities elsewhere has increased. Mainoo now acknowledges a loan move in January could be his only viable route back into contention for the Three Lions ahead of next summer’s finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Determined to revitalise his England ambitions, Mainoo is set to monitor developments at Manchester United in the coming months. Should his role remain peripheral, he will again approach the club with a request to leave on loan during the winter transfer window.