Manchester United unlikely to sanction Kobbie Mainoo exit this winter

Kobbie Mainoo will likely push for a move away from Manchester United in the winter transfer window. 

But Sky Sports News report the Red Devils will not sanction an exit for the 20-year-old before Bruno Fernandes recovers from injury. 

Fernandes picked up a hamstring issue during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. 

The extent of the 31-year-old’s injury is unknown, but there are fears he could be out for around a month. 

Manager Ruben Amorim views Mainoo as Bruno’s understudy. 

But the England international himself missed Sunday’s trip to Villa with a calf issue and will also be unavailable for the Boxing Day match against Newcastle United. 

However, his injury is thought to be less serious than Fernandes’. 

Mainoo is one of the best talents to come out of United’s academy, who has already made 84 senior appearances despite his young age. 

But his role at Old Trafford has been limited since Amorim’s arrival in 2024. 

The problem is the Portuguese boss views the 20-year-old as a number eight, thus competing with Fernandes for the same spot. 

Mainoo is yet to start in the Premier League this campaign, with all his 11 top-flight appearances coming off the bench. 

As Fernandes’ natural replacement, the youngster would start against Newcastle on Friday. 

But his injury has ruled him out of contention for the home fixture. 

Stats from Transfermarkt