<p>Manchester United's academy star has been frozen out this season, but Ruben Amorim's sacking could change everything.</p> <p>Kobbie Mainoo went from starting in a European Championship final to warming the bench at Old Trafford in the space of a few months.</p> <p>The 20-year-old midfielder hasn't started a single <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-premier-league">Premier League</a> game this season under Ruben Amorim, and his frustration has been obvious. His half-brother wore a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" t-shirt to a match in December. The message was clear.</p> <p>Amorim's sacking on January 6, 2026, has changed the landscape. Reports suggest Mainoo has withdrawn his transfer request and wants to fight for his place under new management.</p> <p>For punters tracking <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/soccer-specials/transfer-markets">soccer transfers betting odds</a>, his situation is worth monitoring closely.</p> <h2>Mainoo's Current Situation</h2> <p>Mainoo's contract at Manchester United runs until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend until 2028.</p> <p>Negotiations over a new deal have dragged on for nearly two years without resolution. United reportedly value him at around £45-90 million, depending on who you ask.</p> <p>The problem under Amorim was simple: the Portuguese manager <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/3-4-3-formation-soccer-guide">played a 3-4-3 formation</a> with only two central midfielders, and captain Bruno Fernandes occupied the more advanced role. Mainoo was competing directly with Fernandes for minutes, and Fernandes always won that battle.</p> <p>In 12 appearances this season, Mainoo has managed just 302 minutes of football. His only 90-minute outing came <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/united-kingdom/english-football-league-cup">in the Carabao Cup</a> defeat at Grimsby. For a player who started alongside Declan Rice in England's Euro 2024 final against Spain, it's been a brutal fall from grace.</p> <h2>Staying at Manchester United</h2> <p>Amorim's departure has opened a door. If the next manager plays a back four rather than Amorim's rigid three-at-the-back system, there's more room in midfield for Mainoo to operate. Darren Fletcher is in interim charge, and the expectation is he'll use a more conventional shape.</p> <p>United's hierarchy have made it clear they don't want to sell Mainoo. He's homegrown, on relatively modest wages compared to the rest of the squad, and still only 20.</p> <p>From a pure asset perspective, letting him go makes no sense unless someone tables an extraordinary offer.</p> <p>Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been linked with a return to the manager's job. Mainoo never played under the Norwegian, but Solskjaer has a track record of trusting young academy players. He could be among the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions/epl-players-to-watch-2025">EPL players to watch</a> if given regular minutes under new management.</p> <h2>Napoli</h2> <p>The <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/italy/italian-serie-a">Serie A</a> leaders were the frontrunners to sign Mainoo before Amorim got sacked. Napoli had been tracking him since the summer and believed they could convince both player and club to sanction a loan move in January.</p> <p>That interest has cooled significantly. According to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone, Napoli's belief that they can sign Mainoo this window is "receding" following the managerial change at United. If the new boss gives Mainoo opportunities, there's no reason for him to leave.</p> <h2>Real Madrid</h2> <p>Spanish reports suggest Mainoo dreams of playing for Real Madrid. The Bernabeu would be an incredible destination for any young midfielder, and Real have monitored his situation.</p> <p>The sticking point is United's terms. They reportedly want a loan with an obligation to buy, valuing Mainoo at around €90 million. Real aren't interested in those conditions. A straight loan might work, but United aren't keen on developing a player for someone else's benefit.</p> <h2>The World Cup Factor</h2> <p>Mainoo hasn't been capped by England since September 2024. Thomas Tuchel took over as national team manager and has yet to select him for a squad.</p> <p>With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada looming, Mainoo needs regular football to force his way back into contention. Anyone researching <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-the-world-cup-betting-guide">how to bet on the FIFA World Cup 2026</a> should note that Mainoo's involvement depends entirely on his club situation over the next few months.</p> <p>This was the driving factor behind his loan request in summer 2025. Sitting on the bench at United while other midfielders get tournament experience isn't a viable path to the World Cup squad.</p> <h2>FAQs</h2> <h3>Has Kobbie Mainoo asked to leave Manchester United?</h3> <p>Mainoo requested a loan move in summer 2025 but was rejected by the club. Following Ruben Amorim's sacking in January 2026, reports suggest he has withdrawn that request and wants to fight for his place.</p> <h3>When does Mainoo's contract expire?</h3> <p>His current deal runs until 2027, with United holding an option to extend until 2028. Contract negotiations have been ongoing for nearly two years without resolution.</p> <h3>How much is Kobbie Mainoo worth?</h3> <p>United reportedly value Mainoo at between £45-90 million. The club have stated they would only consider selling if an "exceptional" offer arrived.</p> <h3>Which clubs are interested in Mainoo?</h3> <p>Napoli were the frontrunners before Amorim's sacking but have since cooled their interest. Real Madrid have monitored his situation, while Besiktas made an audacious approach for an 18-month loan deal.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/premier-league-betting-guide">Everything you need to know before betting on the Premier League</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-betting-form-stats-analysis">The stats and form trends shaping the EPL this season</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/serie-a-betting-guide-2025-26">Your complete guide to betting on Italian football</a></li> </ul>