Premier League Club Promises Kobbie Mainoo Guaranteed Playing Time in Tempting Transfer Bid

Kobbie Mainoo is seeking a January loan departure from Manchester United, with West Ham United reportedly prepared to provide the young midfielder with "assured playing time."

Limited opportunities lie at the core of Mainoo's concerns. After having a summer loan proposal turned down, the 20-year-old has accumulated merely 138 Premier League minutes this campaign, with his sole starting appearance occurring in the Carabao Cup loss against Grimsby Town.

Mainoo's battle for playing time under head coach Ruben Amorim has resulted in his exclusion from the England national team—he last featured for his country in September 2024—and he is expected to pursue a temporary departure from Old Trafford in the winter transfer period, with West Ham showing keen interest in acquiring his services.

Per Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have provided assurances to Mainoo regarding substantial playing opportunities should he join the club for the season's remainder, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo actively seeking midfield reinforcements.

Napoli are believed to have renewed their pursuit of Mainoo following Kevin De Bruyne's hamstring setback, though persuading United to release a player considered essential squad depth may prove challenging.

Amorim: Mainoo Merits Playing Time

Amorim has expressed public understanding toward Mainoo, who hasn't featured in a Premier League starting eleven since May after experienced midfielder Casemiro surpassed him in the hierarchy.

The United manager has dismissed claims of having problems with Mainoo and, during a recent beIN SPORTS discussion, acknowledged that the absence of midweek fixtures is the sole factor limiting the young player's appearances.

The Carabao Cup elimination, combined with no European competition this term, means squad rotation hasn't been required for Amorim, who has maintained consistency with a team that remains undefeated across their previous four matches.

"I observe Kobbie Mainoo in training today, and he merits playing time," Amorim stated. "However, I must then remove someone who is performing exceptionally well.

"We should have continued in the Carabao Cup, as I require opportunities to evaluate Kobbie Mainoo in action. I need to assess Josh [Zirkzee]... these players all merit chances, but ultimately, with single weekly fixtures, decisions must be made. There are positives and negatives, though we're benefiting from the advantage of not competing midweek."