Kobbie Mainoo makes decision on forcing Man Utd January exit after Man City win | Football | Sport

Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career might’ve just been saved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim. The midfielder was linked with an exit in the summer, but United dug their heels in and resisted interest from across the Premier League and beyond.

But Mainoo’s minutes continued to be restricted under Amorim, with his only start coming during the dismal defeat to League Two Grimsby Town back in August. It led to yet more exit talk in the run-up to the January transfer window, with long-time admirers Napoli once again rumoured as a potential suitor.

But following Amorim’s sacking earlier this month, doubt was cast on the likelihood of Mainoo leaving in January, with it looking like he’s been handed a route back into the team. Interim boss Michael Carrick chucked him straight into the XI for Saturday’s Manchester Derby win, with what was his first Premier League start since May.

And now it’s reported by Fabrizio Romano that the change of manager has opened Mainoo’s eyes to the possibility of sticking around until the summer at least. It’s claimed he was exploring options away from Old Trafford, but the Stockport-born ace will now stick around and try to work his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad by staying with the Red Devils.

It’s a sentiment shared by former Premier League star, Danny Murphy, who said: “You don’t pick players to appease the fans but you want to feel like you’re giving people equal opportunity to try and impress. Ruben Amorim for some reason was just not giving Kobbie Mainoo opportunities, which is unusual because he is a super talent.

“I know he said he was competing with Bruno Fernandes, but he’s played central midfield for his country. He’s played central midfield for Manchester United in big games and shown that he can do the other side of it. Okay, he needs to work a little bit on his defensive side, but the fact that he was completely disregarded was really strange from Amorim.”

As United were knocked out of both domestic cup competitions early, United only have the Premier League to focus on for the remainder of the season. Their push for a spot in next season’s Champions League continues this weekend when they visit league leaders Arsenal, before clashes with Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham follow.