Kobbie Mainoo is 'the future of Manchester United' - manager Ruben Amorim cools January transfer talk despite lack of Premier League game-time

React to this story

Ruben Amorim spoke glowingly about Kobbie Mainoo's qualities, and believes the 20-year-old has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United. Amorim feels Mainoo could still have a big impact at the club, as United have to contend with several injury absences. The Red Devils boss was also quizzed about any potential January exits, but he insists that reinforcements will be the priority.

'For this game, they are out' - Amorim confirms Fernandes and Mainoo injuries for Newcastle clash

Video credit: SNTV

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim hailed Kobbie Mainoo’s qualities and insists he is the "future of Manchester United."

Mainoo’s Old Trafford career looked to have been winding down after failing to make a Premier League start this season.

All 11 of Mainoo’s top-flight appearances this season have come from the bench, but Amorim previously urged the 20-year-old to fight for his place in the squad and follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Premier League

Carrick sure Man Utd are entering new season 'in good place' after PSG draw

7 hours ago

Amorim has since hailed the player's versatility, and his ability to provide effective cover for the responsibilities of Mason Mount and Casemiro.

"Kobbie Mainoo [has] played in different positions," he said. "He can do [Casemiro's] position.

"He can play if we play with three, he can play like we play in the last game [at Aston Villa]. The position of Mason Mount in that game, he can play there.

"He is going is going to be the future of Manchester United. That is my feeling. He just needs to wait for his chance. In football, everything can change in two days."

‘It is impossible to replace Bruno’ - Amorim calls on Man U players to step up against Newcastle

Video credit: SNTV

Attention then turned to United’s January’s transfer activity, and Amorim insists there are unlikely to be any outgoings unless reinforcements are made first.

Mainoo has previously expressed his desire to leave on loan, while Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A.

Bruno Fernandes is ruled out for a month through a hamstring injury, and Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Amorim insists that even when all those players return, it is difficult to see any other players leaving the club.

"It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution," he explained.

"We are short. Even with the full squad, we are short for something that can happen.

"We are a club with a big responsibility. We are dealing with all these issues and in [the media's] heads, in my head, in everybody's head, we need to win every game. It doesn't matter. There are no excuses."

'They wanted me to leave' - Fernandes 'hurt' by Man Utd's attempts to sell him to Al‑Hilal

Video credit: SNTV

Amorim's selection woes have not been aided by a mounting injury list that includes Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.

With that in mind, academy starlets Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey could both have a chance to impress in the coming weeks.

"We are struggling in this moment, but the club has a plan, and we are going to stick with the plan," he said.

"If we have the opportunity to bring a player [in] that we think is going to be the future of the club, [he] is going to come.

"If not, we have Jack [Fletcher], we have Shea [Lacey] - in three weeks we'll have Amad, Noussair and Bryan, and the return of Bruno and Kobbie Mainoo."

After The Red Devils’ Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United, they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

Amorim's side then begin 2026 with a clash against Leeds United at Elland Road on January 4, before a trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley three days later.

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Premier League