A Manchester United star is now ready to leave in the January transfer window, despite recently holding talks with manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim under pressure amid discontent among players
There have been widespread reports suggesting that a number of Man United players aren’t totally convinced by Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, with insider Graeme Bailey recently revealing that INEOS are furious with the leaks.
Bailey said: “The club thought they had really stamped this out, they see it as totally destructive to what they are trying to do. United firmly believe they are building something, but they won’t and can’t allow internal discontent to impact on the club as a whole.”
Things have improved slightly as of late, with United picking up two home wins on the bounce in clashes with Burnley and Chelsea, but Amorim remains under pressure, and INEOS have already started identifying potential replacements.
Target
Club
Points per match (current job)
Oliver Glasner
Crystal Palace
1.76
Marco Silva
Fulham
1.60
Mauricio Pochettino
USMNT
1.83
Andoni Iraola
AFC Bournemouth
1.45
One player who is well-known to be unhappy at Old Trafford is Kobbie Mainoo, with it recently being revealed the midfielder has been pressuring INEOS to let him join Real Madrid in January, and there has now been a new update on his future.
According to a report from The Mirror, Mainoo recently held private talks with Amorim, during which the manager revealed the central midfielder is still a part of his plans, but he has clearly been left unconvinced by the discussions.
Indeed, following the talks, the United academy graduate is now ready to leave during the January transfer window, with a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad on the line, as Thomas Tuchel is unwilling to select the youngster unless he receives regular game time.
The 20-year-old requested a loan move in the summer, having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, and he has since been unable to force his way back into Amorim’s plans.
Amorim must start giving Mainoo more game time
In all honesty, it is no surprise the England international wants to leave, given that playing at a World Cup is many players’ ultimate dream, and he is currently at serious risk of not being selected for the Three Lions next summer.
The Stockport-born midfielder has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, most recently being snubbed at half-time against Chelsea, with Amorim opting to bring Manuel Ugarte on instead after Casemiro’s red card.
The £70m-rated maestro clearly has bags of ability, perhaps most memorably putting in a top performance against Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring the second goal in United’s 2-1 triumph.
As such, it is very strange that Amorim is so unwilling to give Mainoo consistent game time, and if the manager doesn’t start the 10-time England international regularly before the January transfer window, he is clearly willing to push for a move.