The January transfer window is just around the corner and it will be interesting to see what Manchester United decide they need to do with their squad.
They may be looking to bring in players to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad for the second half of the season, but they may also decide to switch off some players on the fringes of the group.
For example, Koby Mainu is one of the stars whose future at Old Trafford is in doubt due to his lack of on-field time this season, having made zero starts in the Premier League.
Latest updates on Koby Mainu’s future at Manchester United
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign the England international from Manchester United in the January transfer window.
The paper says at least 12 teams are in the race to sign the 20-year-old star next month, with Chelsea and Bayern currently leading the way.
Nevertheless, CaughtOffside added that Napoli is the place Mainu would most like to go, as he wants to go somewhere where he can start matches regularly after struggling for minutes under Ruben Amorim.
However, CaughtOffside does not reveal whether a loan or permanent move is imminent, or how much the Red Devils are willing to pay for the central midfielder.
Amorim could give INEOS permission to sign Mainuo by releasing Sekou Kone to the first team and showing that there are already options in the team who can step up in his place.
How Sekou Kone could end Koby Mainu’s Manchester United career
According to Transfermarkt, the 19-year-old star player, who joined the academy in the summer of 2024, missed the start of the season with a fractured orbit, but returned last month.
Kone scored two goals in two games for Mali’s Under-22s in the last international break after playing for United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy against Notts County, meaning he could compete for a first-team call-up as he remains fit and available for selection.
According to Transfermarkt, the teenage midfielder made 15 appearances in all competitions for United’s youth team last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, and was on the bench in three Premier League games, indicating that he is in Amorim’s thoughts.
Under-23 scout Antonio Mango described Kone as a “hidden gem”, which seems appropriate given his injury absence this season, and could emerge from nowhere to take Maynou’s spot in the squad.
As previously mentioned, the England international has not started a Premier League game for the Red Devils this season, starting on the bench in all 10 of his appearances.
Koby Mainu’s playing time decreased | |
|---|---|
competition | time per game |
25/26 All Comps | 26.4 |
25/26 Premier League | 20.0 |
24/25 All Comps | 56.4 |
24/25 Premier League | 66.2 |
23/24 All Comps | 76.0 |
23/24 Premier League | 80.8 |
Statistics by Sofascore | |
As can be seen from the table above, Mainu’s minutes on the pitch per game have decreased every season in all competitions and the Premier League since the start of the 2023/24 season.
This shows how Amorim’s appointment has affected the central midfielder’s career at Old Trafford and why he is now the right role for a player like Kone.
The Mali youth international is a talented 19-year-old with a lot to learn but little exposure to first-team football. As such, a role as a reserve option in midfield, with few starts, could be his best position this season.
Mainu, on the other hand, was a regular in the top flight early in his career at Old Trafford and should be looking for a club to return to, which is why he is wasted in his current role at United.
Analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson claimed that Kone has the “ability to win the ball” and the “engine”, which would make him ideally suited to Amorim’s pressing structure in the left-sided central midfield position.
Mattinson added that the youngster’s defensive qualities and high physical “ceiling” combined with his “silky” handling of the ball could make him an interesting player to use alongside Bruno Fernandes, who can progress further with his connections to play as a deep midfielder.
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Although the academy star is unproven at first-team level, releasing Kone to the first team in the coming weeks and months could provide United with the cushion they need to end Mainu’s career at the club, with interest from 12 teams, and acquire a player who can step into Mainu’s role.
