Amorim Affirms Mainoo as Man Utd’s Future, Prioritizes Reinforcements Amid January Transfer Talks

Mainoo’s Versatility Earns “Future of Man Utd” Endorsement Despite Limited Starts

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has spoken glowingly about Kobbie Mainoo, hailing the 20-year-old as the “future of Manchester United” despite his lack of Premier League starts this season. Mainoo’s Old Trafford career had seemed to be winding down with all 11 of his top-flight appearances coming from the bench, but Amorim has previously urged him to fight for his place in the squad, drawing parallels to club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

The manager further highlighted Mainoo’s versatility, noting his ability to effectively cover the responsibilities of key midfielders Mason Mount and Casemiro. “Kobbie Mainoo has played in different positions,” Amorim explained. “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 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.”

Mainoo’s potential role becomes even more significant amid United’s mounting injury crisis, which includes the young midfielder himself alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. The injury list, combined with absences for the Africa Cup of Nations—Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all on international duty—and Bruno Fernandes’ one-month layoff, has stretched the Red Devils’ squad thin.

While Mainoo had previously expressed a desire to leave on loan, Amorim’s strong endorsement suggests the club sees him as a long-term asset rather than a temporary option, with his versatility offering crucial depth once he returns to fitness.

Amorim Rules Out January Outgoings Until Reinforcements Are Secured

Attention has turned to Manchester United’s January transfer activity, with Amorim making it clear that reinforcements will be the priority and that outgoings are unlikely unless substitutions are secured first. The manager emphasized the squad’s current shortage, stating that even with a full squad, there is little room for departures given the unpredictability of injuries.

Amorim also noted the club’s “big responsibility” to win every game, explaining: “It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution. 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.”

With the squad stretched thin, academy starlets Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey could get a chance to impress in the coming weeks. Amorim stressed that the club has a clear plan and will stick to it, noting that they will only bring in a new player if they believe he can be part of the club’s future.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Up next for the Red Devils is a Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United, followed by a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, before kicking off 2026 with trips to Leeds United on January 4 and Burnley three days later.