Man Utd Academy Gem Ready to Walk Away as Fan Fury Looms Over Club's Handling

Manchester United's midfield player Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly "willing to consider departing" the club, though transfer opportunities ahead of Monday's deadline remain scarce.

Mainoo established himself as a regular starter during the middle of the 2023–24 campaign and capped off that season by netting the decisive goal in the FA Cup final. His rapid ascent at club level earned him a spot in England's Euro 2024 roster, where he was instrumental in helping the Three Lions reach the championship match.

However, the Stockport native's progress hit a roadblock last season. He endured two disappointing periods out injured due to muscle problems and, similar to many teammates amid a congested fixture schedule, appeared to struggle adapting to the new tactical approach introduced by Ruben Amorim.

With Amorim seemingly preferring alternative options, The Athletic indicates that Mainoo wouldn't oppose departing the organization that initially discovered him at age six. The 20-year-old has previously been connected with Chelsea, though the chances of arranging a move that satisfies all involved parties with under a week remaining until the deadline seem remote. Currently, most teams have completed their primary transfer activity and financial resources may not accommodate another major acquisition.

During the early stages of 2025–26, Mainoo has remained on the bench without featuring. Amorim has begun both Premier League matches thus far with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro occupying the central midfield positions, while Mason Mount has experienced a revival in an advanced role alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

When Amorim has made midfield substitutions during matches, he's opted for Manuel Ugarte. United have also been pursuing a new dynamic midfielder in the transfer window, though their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba was abandoned due to an excessive valuation.

This development has disappointed numerous Manchester United supporters, who regard Mainoo as the most gifted prospect to graduate from the club's renowned youth system in recent memory. He has two years remaining on the deal he signed at the beginning of 2023, prior to his first-team emergence, though the club possesses an option to extend it for an additional year. Contract negotiations have reportedly been a source of tension over the past 18 months, with parties unable to reach terms despite an offer presented in early 2025.