Frozen out Man United star wants January loan to save World Cup dream

Feargal Brennan

Frozen out Man United star wants January loan to save World Cup dream  image

The January transfer window could see more exits at Manchester United if Ruben Amorim's team continue to struggle for results.

Amorim offloaded all four members of his transfer 'bomb squad' over the summer as Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho moved on before the September 1 deadline.

The mid-season window could be utilised by the club, if Amorim wants another reshuffle, and there remains major questions over Kobbie Mainoo's future.

The England international has been on the fringes of Amorim's plans following his arrival at Old Trafford in November 2024 after being a key player under Erik ten Hag.

So far this season, Mainoo has completed 90 minutes in the shock EFL Cup loss to Grimsby Town and 45 minutes of Premier League action against Burnley.

In total, the 20-year-old has started just 12 of United's 30 Premier League games under Amorim, and he was open to a summer ext.

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Mainoo's representatives are rumoured to have reached out to Amorim and Director of Football Jason Wilcox to request an update over his role in 2025/26.

Reports from ESPN indicate Mainoo's team have been concerned by his lack of prominence since the start of 2025 amid rumours the club could sell him to reach their Profit & Sustainability Rules [PSR].

Kobbie Mainoo

The same outlet claims all parties agreed to stay in place in August, with Mainoo under contract until 2027, but a previous loan offer from Napoli could be revived in January.

Mainoo's primary concern is missing out on a spot in England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad after being omitted from Thomas Tuchel's January panel,

Napoli have revived the career of former United star Scott McTominay, and an offer will be tempting for Mainoo, as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro remain ahead of him in Amorim's plans.

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Feargal Brennan

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.