Manchester United have performed a dramatic U-turn and are now almost certain to block any January exit for young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, following a fresh injury blow to captain Bruno Fernandes.
Injury crisis forces United rethink
The Red Devils' stance on Mainoo's future has shifted completely in the wake of Fernandes hobbling off at half-time during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. Head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed the Portuguese star suffered a soft tissue problem, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined for around a month.
This absence, combined with players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, has left United's midfield options severely depleted. Fernandes is set to miss key fixtures including the Manchester derby and a trip to league leaders Arsenal.
From 'Free Kobbie' to essential cover
Mainoo's situation at Old Trafford has been under intense scrutiny for months. The 20-year-old Carrington academy graduate, who burst onto the scene in the 2023/24 season, has found minutes hard to come under Amorim. Only the recently returned Lisandro Martinez has played fewer minutes among first-team players this campaign.
Speculation of a January move, either on loan or permanently, had been rife, with Napoli showing strong interest. The situation was even highlighted publicly when Mainoo's half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, wore a 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' T-shirt during United's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
Following that incident, it was reported United would consider a sale for the right price. However, the injury to Fernandes has transformed Mainoo from a peripheral figure into a vital squad member. Amorim has previously described the Englishman as a 'like-for-like' alternative for his captain.
A cruel twist of fate for Mainoo
In an ironic development, Mainoo himself is currently sidelined with a calf injury, which forced him to miss the Villa defeat and will rule him out of the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United. While initially expected to be out for a few weeks, there is now hope he could return around the turn of the year.
His potential comeback timeline now aligns perfectly with Fernandes' absence, meaning he is in line for significantly more game time in the new year. This has led to a firm change in strategy from the club.
According to reports, there is now little to no chance Amorim will sanction Mainoo's departure in January, with the club also unlikely to seek a replacement midfielder in the transfer window. The focus is now on integrating the youngster back into the fold as cover during a critical period for the team.
