Manchester United are determined to keep Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford even as the midfielder grows increasingly frustrated with his role under head coach Ruben Amorim and pushes for a possible January exit.
Despite internal tensions and external interest, the club remain reluctant to sanction a departure, believing the 20-year-old remains central to their long-term plans.
Mainoo, who has Ghanaian heritage despite representing England at international level, has seen his standing diminish this season. He has yet to start a Premier League match under Amorim and is understood to feel misaligned with the manager’s tactical vision.
That situation has fuelled doubts about his future and slowed progress on a new contract that was once expected to be agreed earlier in the campaign.
Interest from elsewhere has intensified. Chelsea have been monitoring developments, while Napoli are currently leading the race among European suitors.
United, however, are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of patience from the player, even as they acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding his role.
Mainoo requested permission to leave during the January window, but the club made clear last week that they have no intention of approving a move at this stage.
From United’s perspective, there is a belief that opportunities will re-emerge. With Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future unclear and questions surrounding Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, club sources insist the pathway for Mainoo to re-establish himself remains open beyond this season. That optimism is not fully shared by the player, who feels the route back into the team has become increasingly difficult to identify.
Signs of frustration have spilled into public view, notably after Mainoo’s half-brother was seen wearing a shirt bearing the slogan “Free Kobbie Mainoo”.
