Ruben Amorim fired a dig at some of Manchester United’s rising stars but growing transfer interest could leave him red-faced when the January transfer window open
Manchester United could be set for a busy January transfer window, not only in terms of potential incomings but also possible outgoings – with Kobbie Mainoo the star attraction.
The Red Devils enjoyed a productive summer window with several key additions, including the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. However, the work is far from complete, with a number of areas across the pitch still in need of reinforcement.
One way to make room in both the squad and the budget for further arrivals is to offload players. A handful of names have been linked with potential exits in recent times, none more so than midfielder Mainoo.
The England international had been tipped to depart in the summer, with Serie A champions Napoli rumoured to be among the suitors. However, a move never came to fruition and the academy graduate was made to stay put.
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Unfortunately for Mainoo, his game time under Ruben Amorim has not improved this season. The 20-year-old has featured 12 times across all competitions this term, but has not started a single Premier League fixture.
Amorim raised some eyebrows over the past week with his comments about United’s young, up-and-coming players and his reluctance to use them. Mainoo was not the only name discussed, with 18-year-old Harry Amass, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, also singled out.
“It’s the situation, what’s happened,” the United boss said prior to Monday night’s meeting with Bournemouth. “I don’t know what is going to be the future [for Mainoo]. Let’s see after this match.
“[Harry] Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido [Obi] is not always a starter in under 21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!”
As the January window approaches, both Mainoo and Amass are among the United starlets attracting plenty of attention. A recent report from Caught Offside claims as many as 12 clubs are in the race for the midfielder’s signature.
The article notes that Mainoo is prioritising a move that would see him become a regular starter elsewhere. While Chelsea and Bayern Munich are said to be leading the chase, their already stacked midfield options mean Napoli reportedly remains the player’s preferred destination at this stage.
Like Mainoo, Amass also has a dozen clubs interested in signing him next month. He is currently on loan at Wednesday and is already featuring regularly, with 16 starts to his name.
If a move is on the cards in January, with Wednesday struggling towards the bottom of the Championship, the Daily Mail say around 12 teams have made contact regarding the player’s availability. Promotion chasers Millwall and Stoke City are rumoured to be among them.
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