Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd will not sell Kobbie Mainoo in the January window

Mainoo’s future has been uncertain this season after the youngster spent much of the campaign on the bench. Since the start of the season, he has yet to make a single start, featuring mostly as a second-half substitute. As a result, reports suggested the midfielder was pushing for a loan move in January to gain more playing time.

Earlier this month, Amorim appeared open to the idea of Mainoo leaving, admitting he would be willing to talk if the player wanted to discuss a transfer. However, the situation has changed dramatically for both the club and the player.

United captain Bruno Fernandes has picked up an injury and is expected to be sidelined for weeks, while Mainoo himself is dealing with a calf problem that will keep him out for several matches. With the squad stretched thin, Amorim now sees Mainoo as an important part of maintaining balance in the team.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of the Newcastle match, Amorim said: “He is going to be the future of Manchester United. That is my feeling. So you just need to wait for each chance and everything can change in football in two days. He will have the opportunity that he has all the time to force his way in.”

The 45-year-old also suggested the club would not allow Mainoo to leave without a replacement. “If we are not getting someone, it is hard to leave,” Amorim said. United’s lack of midfield depth was evident in the second half against Aston Villa, when Amorim was forced to use youngster Jack Fletcher and defender Lisandro Martínez in midfield.

With Manuel Ugarte not fully trusted, Casemiro approaching the final year of his contract in summer 2026, and uncertainty over next season’s European commitments, Amorim believes keeping Mainoo is the best long-term solution. He added: “We need to understand what is going to happen next season – if there will be European games. At this moment, we are not thinking about that. I’m really happy with them.”

Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford in the Boxing Day fixture, kicking off at 3:00 AM on 27 December (GMT+7). They will then face Wolves on 31 December to close out the 2025 calendar year.