Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo is said to be "furious" with manager Ruben Amorim over his continued exile from the starting lineup, with speculation mounting that the midfielder could seek a January loan exit from Old Trafford.
Parker's stark warning over Mainoo's future
Former United defender Paul Parker, who won two Premier League titles with the club, has delivered a blunt assessment of the situation. He believes the 20-year-old England hopeful "must be feeling horrible" and may have no choice but to leave if his minutes do not improve.
"I don’t think he is leaving because I don’t think the club can afford to let him go, but if he never gets minutes, he has to leave for his own sake," Parker told MyBettingSites. "He must be furious at Amorim. He has to be."
Parker highlighted the damaging impact on Mainoo's international ambitions, stating the manager has "taken away his opportunity to go to the World Cup." Mainoo has managed less than 200 minutes of Premier League football this season, with all nine of his appearances coming from the substitutes' bench.
January loan move gains momentum
According to reports from The Athletic, the club is now potentially prepared to sanction a loan departure in January, and the player himself is reportedly ready to move on to secure regular football.
A complicating factor is the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. United are said to want to wait until the tournament concludes and they can assess the condition of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo upon their return from Morocco before making a final decision on Mainoo's immediate future.
The young midfielder has already been linked with a move to Serie A champions Napoli, where former Red Devil Scott McTominay has flourished since his departure. Napoli are in the market for midfield reinforcements after an injury to Kevin De Bruyne.
Amorim remains unmoved on selection
When questioned about Mainoo's lack of action during his Friday press conference, Amorim offered little hope of an imminent change. "You always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying," he said. "You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that does not mean I need to put Kobbie (in the team) when I feel I shouldn’t put Kobbie (in the team)."
Asked if AFCON absences could open a door for Mainoo, the Portuguese coach was non-committal: "I don’t know. It’s the same question... If I see in the training it is the best thing, I will put it. That is the only way I know how to respond to that."
Parker warned that losing another academy graduate could be disastrous for the club's reputation. "It would be a very bad story for the club if he were to leave," he said, referencing McTominay's success. "It would be terrible if Mainoo leaves and all of a sudden does very well, because then everyone will question Amorim and the club."
He concluded with praise for the player's character and talent, urging the club to find a solution: "He is one of the best products that have come out of Man United for many years, so they have to find a way for him to get into the team and perform."
