Manchester United's highly-rated young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is pushing for a loan move in the January transfer window, with at least a dozen clubs across England and Europe ready to offer him an escape route from Old Trafford.
Scholes Blasts Ten Hag's Treatment of Mainoo
The 20-year-old's situation has become a major talking point after United legend Paul Scholes launched a scathing attack on manager Erik ten Hag's handling of the academy graduate. Scholes labelled as "bull****" ten Hag's recent claim that he considers Mainoo a starting player, after the midfielder was an unused substitute in Thursday's draw with West Ham.
"The boy is being ruined," Scholes wrote in a fiery Instagram post. "Not playing in a team that can't control a football match. I hate seeing academy lads leave, but it's probably best for him now, enough is enough."
A Season Spent on the Sidelines
Mainoo's frustration is understandable given his severe lack of game time this season. His only start came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby in August. In the Premier League, he has managed just 171 minutes of action, spread across nine appearances from the bench.
The England youth international is now desperate to secure regular football to bolster his chances of a senior England call-up before next summer's World Cup. His hopes were dashed in the summer when United blocked a proposed loan move to Napoli, a club that remains interested in taking him until the end of the season.
European Interest and United's Midfield Dilemma
According to reports, Serie A champions Napoli are among twelve clubs from England, Italy, Spain, and Germany who have registered their interest in signing Mainoo on loan. His potential departure could hinge on United's own activity in the January market.
The club had previously explored deals for Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, moves that failed to materialise. They retain an interest in players like Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and could revisit targets such as Bournemouth's Tyler Adams or Wolves' Joao Gomes.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defended his selection policy. He insists Mainoo is in direct competition with captain Bruno Fernandes for a role, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte seen as more defensive options. "I understand you love Kobbie," ten Hag said. "He is a starter for England, but that does not mean I have to play Kobbie when I don't think I should play Kobbie."
With his World Cup ambitions fading and a host of clubs waiting in the wings, the January window represents a critical juncture in Kobbie Mainoo's promising career.
