Manchester United are determined to keep rising midfield star Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford despite growing frustration from the player over his diminished role under head coach Ruben Amorim and his desire to seek a move in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who has Ghanaian heritage but represents England internationally, has reportedly grown unsettled after failing to start a Premier League match this season. Sources close to the player suggest he feels out of sync with Amorim’s tactical approach, a situation that has stalled contract talks that were once expected to progress smoothly.
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Interest from Europe continues to intensify, with Chelsea closely monitoring developments while Napoli currently appears to be leading the chase should an opportunity arise.
United, however, have made its stance clear. Club officials are reluctant to sanction any departure, insisting Mainoo remains pivotal to their long-term project. The Premier League giants are said to be disappointed by what they interpret as impatience from the midfielder, although they acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding his situation.
Mainoo’s request to leave in January was firmly rejected last week, with the club confident chances will reopen for him in the near future — particularly with lingering uncertainty over the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Yet optimism is far from shared. Those close to Mainoo suggest the pathway back into the starting lineup appears increasingly difficult, with frustration spilling into public view after his half-brother was spotted wearing a shirt reading: “Free Kobbie Mainoo.”
For now, United remain firm — but tension surrounding one of English football’s brightest midfield prospects continues to build.