Kobbie Mainoo sets new transfer deadline to save Manchester United career

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly given himself a 16-game deadline to salvage his career at Old Trafford, with the possibility of an exit still looming. The 20-year-old midfielder has struggled for game time under manager Ruben Amorim this season.

Mainoo has only made one start for the Reds this term - that being in the disappointing Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. This lack of playing time follows a summer filled with speculation about a potential move away from Manchester.

Italian side Napoli were rumoured to be interested, and it was claimed that the academy product was open to a loan move. While this didn't materialise, uncertainty continues to surround Mainoo's future at United.

ESPN report that Mainoo is eager to see more action on the pitch in the coming months. If this doesn't happen, he may have to consider other options.

A loan move to Napoli could still be on the cards, but United would need to secure a replacement before letting him go. This leaves Mainoo with just 16 games to prove his worth, as United have no European fixtures and have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.

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Mainoo's contract with United runs for just under two more years, although the club does have the option to extend it for another season. When questioned about Mainoo's role in the team earlier this season, Amorim stated: "He is fighting for the position now with Bruno (Fernandes).

"And I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal.

"And then when I change it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder. So he (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United."

Since his breakthrough in the 2022/23 season, Mainoo has made 74 senior appearances for United and has netted seven goals.