Ruben Amorim has offered a clear signal regarding the future of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United as the January transfer window approaches. The United head coach has made it known that the young midfielder is free to approach him directly if he feels the need to seek regular playing time elsewhere.
Mainoo’s situation this season has been far from straightforward. Since Amorim took charge, the academy graduate has yet to start a Premier League match and has been limited to brief substitute appearances. The lack of minutes has inevitably raised questions about his short-term future at Old Trafford.
Speculation has intensified following reported interest from Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions. However, Amorim insists that any decision regarding Mainoo’s future must begin with open and honest communication between player and manager, rather than external pressure or transfer rumours.
Limited Playing Time and a Possible Loan Move
Kobbie Mainoo is understood to be open to the idea of a January loan move if it allows him to play consistently and continue his development. The 20-year-old has featured in ten Premier League matches this season, all as a substitute, accumulating just 183 minutes of action.
Amorim has settled on a midfield partnership built around Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, leaving limited opportunities for rotation. While Amorim has previously stated that Mainoo competes most closely with Fernandes for a creative midfield role, that pathway has become even narrower following the summer arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Despite continued interest from Napoli, Amorim confirmed that Mainoo has not formally expressed a desire to leave. Instead, the Portuguese coach has encouraged dialogue, stressing that clarity and transparency are essential before any steps are taken.
Amorim Encourages Honest Conversations
Speaking about the situation, Amorim made it clear that the door remains open for discussion.
“The team comes first and if Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him,” Amorim said.
“I won’t say here what I would tell Kobbie, but I would be very happy if he came to speak with me about it.”
Amorim emphasised that his priority is the well-being of his players, acknowledging that every individual has different ambitions and career goals.
“I just want my players to be happy, and I understand that everyone has their own objectives,” he added.
The United boss also pointed out that frustration is not productive, particularly during a demanding season. For now, his focus remains firmly on upcoming matches rather than transfer speculation.
“Again, the focus is on the next game, and we’ll see if anything happens,” Amorim explained.
“I’ve spoken with him before, especially last season, and with other players as well, but not specifically about this topic. We haven’t had that conversation yet.”
A Door Still Open at Old Trafford
Amorim was keen to stress that Mainoo remains a valued member of the squad. He pointed to Casemiro’s recent resurgence as proof that circumstances can change quickly at Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder found himself on the fringes last season before re-establishing himself as a key figure in the current campaign.
By highlighting that example, Amorim underlined that Mainoo’s path back into the starting XI is not closed. While a loan move remains a possibility, the manager’s comments suggest that patience, communication, and continued development could still shape the midfielder’s future at Old Trafford.
As January approaches, the situation around Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain a topic of interest. For now, Amorim’s message is clear: decisions will be made through dialogue, not pressure—and the opportunity to fight for a place at Manchester United still exists.
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