NEWCASTLE United could offer out-of-favour Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo a fresh start in January after his failed summer transfer.
United chose to keep Mainoo in a dramatic climax to their 2025 business, standing in his way despite knowing his intention to leave.
GettyMainoo is down the pecking order in Amorim’s midfield[/caption]
Amorim has preferred to partner Fernandes with Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.Shutterstock Editorial
Mainoo, 20, has struggled to match his 2023/24 form under Ruben Amorim and is fighting against club captain Bruno Fernandes for a position in midfield.
With the Englishman hoping to get back into the national team ahead of next year’s World Cup, Mainoo is seeking regular game time having once more been left on the bench for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle might be the team to offer him that with talkSPORT reporting that they are known admirers and an approach mid-season is not off the table.
Mainoo’s own United team-mates are said to be surprised at his lack of minutes with just the one start from five matches so far this season.
That came in United’s embarrassing penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
It follows Mainoo struggling with injury after Amorim was appointed to replace Erik ten Hag 10 months ago.
He has played 31 times for the Portuguese manager, but only 16 have been from starts.
Speaking about the Carrington academy graduate, Amorim offered little by way of confidence.
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“Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more,” the former Sporting CP head coach said.
“I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed, but I did this week.
“I didn’t want him thinking I was having the conversation just to hold on to him. Some people think he is there, but I think he can do so much better.
“For some guys it’s enough. For him, it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo.
“I have the same feeling that you have, that he’s a top, top player. But he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.
“He’s not used to fighting for his place, maybe. He is uncomfortable, but he is a very good kid — and he is fighting.”
Amorim added: “He needs to have the technical ability that he has but he needs more pace.
“He needs to play at different speeds. Sometimes he’s slower, and sometimes he’s faster. He can improve on that.
“And then he has to beat Bruno Fernandes. He has to beat Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. They are good players also. I need to choose.”
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