'Mainoo reluctantly will consider offers going forward'published at 15:13 BST 27 August
15:13 BST 27 August
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Senior Football Correspondent Sami Mokbel says Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo "needs to give serious consideration" to an exit from the club and risks becoming "the forgotten man" if he doesn't make the right move.
Mainoo seems to have slipped back quite a way since his 2023-24 breakthrough campaign under Erik ten Hag, when he scored in the FA Cup final and started for England in the Euro 2024 final.
After he was an unused substitute against Fulham on Sunday, Ruben Amorim said the 20-year-old is "fighting for the position now with Bruno [Fernandes]".
"If he's got to fight with the captain of the football club for his position, it doesn't bode well for Kobbie Mainoo," Mokbel told the Football Daily podcast.
"My understanding is that Mainoo reluctantly will consider offers going forward because I think he's realised his opportunities at Manchester United are going to be few and far between this season given his direct competition is the captain.
"I think there will be a lot of takers. Chelsea historically have an interest but they're pretty well-stocked in central midfield at the moment.
"In a World Cup year, for a guy who started in the Euro 2024 final for England, he needs to playing football and in my opinion needs to give serious consideration for an exit from United.
"He's maybe going to have to go down a rung lower on the Premier League ladder than he'd want to.
"I'd imagine for Kobbie Mainoo, as important as it is to play Premier League football, going down the food chain is fraught with concerns. If the step down doesn't go well, where do you go from there?
"Sometimes your career is governed by your transfers and what moves you take and if you don't make the right one you can very quickly become the forgotten man."
Is Fernandes being properly used?published at 15:01 BST 27 August
15:01 BST 27 August
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Bruno Fernandes is playing out of position at Manchester United as his role was a discussion point on the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate.
Here are some of your comments:
Pete: United should have taken the money and sold him. He was the stand-out player in a poor team, but he is not a good enough standard for what they're trying to build. Bring Mainoo back into the side and buy someone to play alongside him.
Roger: Bruno Fernandes is definitely playing out of position. He should be playing further up the pitch behind the front three instead of Mason Mount and Mainoo should play where Bruno is playing now with either Ugarte or a new signing. That way we'd have stability in midfield and creativity, and Bruno in a more attacking position scoring or creating chances for goals.
Rahul: I think Bruno is a quality player. He is experienced enough to play in any position the manager wants him to. This thing about playing in only one position is overrated and seems only to apply to United.
Jon: Bruno being the captain is one of the main problems at United. Yes he is quite clearly the most talented player at the club but his attitude is abysmal - constantly moaning and throwing his hands up. Shouldn't have ever been given the armband in the first place.
Sancho and George destinies interlinkedpublished at 13:41 BST 27 August
13:41 BST 27 August
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United's Jadon Sancho and Chelsea's fellow winger Tyrique George find their futures strangely interlinked.
Sancho is Roma's first-choice target to strengthen their attack but multiple sources have suggested getting him out of Old Trafford is complicated.
One issue is his reported £300,000-a-week wages being an obstacle for any buying club, while sources in Italy also believe he is lukewarm about moving to the Serie A club.
Further complicating matters is United's ability to trigger an option to extend Sancho's contract for a further year, until 2027, to avoid him leaving for free after any loan deal should one be agreed.
Ultimately, talks between the three parties are complex, while Sancho's agent, Emeka Obasi, also works with Chelsea's George.
The 19-year-old has become a viable alternative for Roma, with Chelsea known to be open to a potential sale.
George is believed to welcome a move to the Stadio Olimpico and a source involved in the deal has explained that £25m should be enough to make it happen if a significant sell-on clause was included.
However, Sancho remains the first choice and any break in the impasse would be likely to result in Roma changing course back to the United man.
Chelsea have other interest in George in England and elsewhere in Europe.
Sancho is training in United's so-called 'bomb squad' away from the first-team group. George is training with Enzo Maresca's first team but was left out of the squad for Friday's trip to West Ham.
Chelsea are interested in United winger Alejandro Garnacho, Barcelona forward Fermin Lopez and RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons before the transfer deadline next week.
Is Fernandes being played in the wrong position? Have your saypublished at 12:43 BST 27 August
12:43 BST 27 August
Image source, Getty Images
The Devils' Advocate podcast's co-host Gaz Drinkwater criticised Ruben Amorim for playing Bruno Fernandes out of position in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Fulham at the weekend.
The captain played in a more defensive role on Sunday, and also missed a chance to put his side ahead from the penalty spot.
Drinkwater said on the podcast: "Bruno Fernandes was United's worst player in the first half. This is not the Fernandes I know and love. And I think that comes from the position he's playing in. It's not his position."
Co-host Joe McGrath also questioned why the Portugal international wasn't sold in the summer: "The way Amorim plays means we can't get the best out of Fernandes. You scratch your head and think 'why didn't we just sell him for the £100m?'
"On his day, he's unbelievable. But if we're backing the manager and we can't get the most out of Fernandes but we can shift him for a great fee, what were the conversations that were had in the background?"
What do you think? Is Fernandes playing out of position? Should he have been sold in the summer?
Gossip: Mainoo a target for Spanish giantspublished at 09:33 BST 27 August
09:33 BST 27 August
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United's England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as the 20-year-old looks for a move away after dropping down the pecking order at Old Trafford. (Mail, external)
Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Real Betis for 25-year-old Brazil winger Antony to return to the Spanish club in what could be an initial loan with an obligation to buy. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)
Manchester United are also hoping to agree personal terms with goalkeeper Senne Lammens in order to sign the 23-year-old Belgian from Royal Antwerp before the transfer window closes. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)
Alejandro Garnacho has rejected a new approach from a Saudi Pro League club in the last 48 hours as talks between Manchester United and Chelsea for the 21-year-old Argentina winger remain very advanced. (Fabrizio Romano, external)
'You find a way to make Mainoo fit'published at 09:32 BST 27 August
09:32 BST 27 August
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo leaving Manchester United is just the latest potential summer twist that no one could have fathomed a year ago. And with good reason.
Ruben Amorim has received incredible backing by the fanbase for a head coach with a 24% win rate in the Premier League.
But I can guarantee that the decision to offload an academy graduate of Mainoo's talent and potential would not go down well, especially if results don't improve.
This is a 20-year-midfielder who started for England in a major final around one year after making his senior debut.
Mainoo was talked about as a £100m-plus footballer. And that talk was justified, given his wealth of traits and early experience.
He has scored crucial goals against Wolves, Liverpool and Lyon, and the winner in an FA Cup final against Manchester City, no less.
The task of thwarting United captain Bruno Fernandes seems like an impossible and unreasonable one.
Fernandes will always be in the team, even if his disaster at Fulham extends into a poor run of form. So when will Mainoo's opportunity arrive?
You can't possibly tell me that Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte deserve prominent roles while Mainoo watches from the bench. United couldn't get any more hopeless in midfield.
When you possess a player of his quality, you find a way to make him fit. If that's not possible, then we have an issue with the system at Old Trafford, not the player. And, therefore, the head coach.
I was adamant Fernandes had to stay when Al-Hilal came knocking earlier in the summer. But who was I to know that it would be the 30-year-old or Mainoo at that stage?
If it saves the Stockport starlet's future and boosts the budget for a midfield arrival, I would swing the other way if the Saudi Arabia ship hasn't yet sailed.
🎧 What is Fernandes' best position?published at 16:08 BST 26 August
16:08 BST 26 August
The latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate has dropped!
Hosts Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discuss Bruno Fernandes' best position in the current Manchester United team, plus there's an interview with former goalkeeper Nick Culkin on his record breaking debut at Highbury.
Talks continuing around Hojlund move to Napolipublished at 14:03 BST 26 August
14:03 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Talks are continuing around Rasmus Hojlund's potential move from Manchester United to Napoli.
Hojlund is not part of Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' but he has been left out of United's opening two Premier League games in the belief he will secure a move before the transfer window closes next Monday.
The Serie A side's manager, Antonio Conte, wants someone to replace Romelu Lukaku, who is facing four months out with a thigh problem.
I don't think the clubs are too far away on a price and while nothing has been signed off just yet, it does seem that of all United's various pending bits of transfer business, this deal is likely to be done first.
'A big night for Mainoo'published at 13:38 BST 26 August
13:38 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is promising changes for Wednesday's EFL Cup trip to Grimsby, which means it is likely to be a big night for Kobbie Mainoo in particular.
There has been a lot of chatter about Mainoo, who is yet to feature for a minute in the Premier League so far this season.
Indeed, the 20-year-old has not started a game since the home defeat by West Ham on 11 May.
Amorim said after Sunday's draw at Fulham Mainoo was competing with skipper Bruno Fernandes in his line-up, which evidently is an issue for the youngster, deemed good enough to start for England by Gareth Southgate in the Euro 2024 final less than 15 months ago.
There is no suggestion of Mainoo agitating to leave United just now. However, talks over a contract extension have stalled and it is hard to see them resuming unless Mainoo can persuade Amorim he is either better than Fernandes, or can be effective in a different role.
Chances could be limited this season with no European distractions, so Grimsby needs to be the start of the process.
'We need time to develop as a team' - Amorimpublished at 13:38 BST 26 August
13:38 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stood by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir ahead of his side's EFL Cup second round tie at Grimsby Town on Wednesday (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Asked whether defenders are doing enough to protect him at corners, Amorim said: "Yes. We are trying everything. I know you are focused a lot on the opponents' corners but if you remember this game [against Fulham], we had our chances and scored a goal from a set piece.
"We had a penalty. We had at least one in the end near the post. You can see every game in the Premier League. Tell me one game that you didn't see a big occasion from a corner? That will happen in every game."
Bayindir has started both of Manchester United's league games in goal ahead of last season's first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana and has faced criticism over his ability to command his area from corners.
Amorim said there will be changes to the side which faces Grimsby because "we have three games this week and we have quality players and we need to do rotation to try to win every game".
The Red Devils failed to secure European football last term after losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final and finishing 15th in the league but the Portuguese believes the club "were not prepared to play in Europe."
"That is my feeling, to have strong games in Europe and play in the Premier League. We need time to develop as a team," Amorim added.
"They need to fight for the places, then, everything can change. Sometimes one is playing, at other moments, another is going to play. We have the cups, so there will be a lot of games for everybody."
Defender Noussair Mazraoui has not featured since United's first pre-season friendly against Leeds where he sustained a thigh injury but Amorim said he is "near" to returning.
"Maybe he is going to return next week, we will see. We are just finishing some drills with him to be sure he is not going to have another problem," said Amorim.
While missing out on Europe is a disappointment, Amorim is glad to have more time to work with the team during his first full campaign at the helm.
"We need time to prepare every game," he added. "The games are really competitive. We need time to build a base and then in the future, to move forward.
"We will reach a moment where we need to have Europe for everybody to play games."
'To make it a successful window United need to get players out'published at 11:36 BST 26 August
11:36 BST 26 August
Media caption,
Sami Mokbel on Manchester United's potential outgoings
Watch BBC Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel discuss the potential outgoings from Manchester United in the remaining week of the summer transfer window.
"They've done a lot of business bringing players in but getting players out is proving very difficult," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"That will be the priority for Manchester United between now and Monday - trying to recalibrate the finances. But, its easier said than done."
Gossip: Mainoo may leave before deadlinepublished at 06:56 BST 26 August
06:56 BST 26 August
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will consider leaving Manchester United in the final week of the transfer window if the club receive a suitable offer. (Talksport), external
Dorgu aiming high for Man Utdpublished at 18:14 BST 25 August
18:14 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
No-one could accuse Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu of setting conservative targets for the club.
Asked for United's targets as he spoke before Sunday's 1-1 draw at Fulham, Dorgu's message was clear: "One hundred percent we are aiming to win the Premier League. We are Manchester United, so that's always going to be our goal."
It could be argued United's chances of winning the title were not reduced by the result at Craven Cottage as they had no realistic chance of being champions anyway.
Yet Dorgu's comments underline the aspirations at Old Trafford remain the same, even though it is over a decade now since United last won the Premier League – and they have not even challenged for the title since.
The stated aim this season – privately and publicly – is to secure a return to European competition.
And while one point from two games is not an ideal start, there is a genuine sense of optimism, helped partly by the £50m training ground revamp.
"The facilities help," said Dorgu. "I think new signings have helped as well.
"They bring a lot of good energy and quality into the group.
"Everyone has a point to prove this season. We need to get back to Europe, so we need to stick together, be happy and positive and try to do what the coach asks."
'No excuses' for Amorim this season - Rooneypublished at 16:15 BST 25 August
16:15 BST 25 August
Image source, Getty Images
Former striker Wayne Rooney has been speaking about Manchester United's early season struggles and positional changes on The Wayne Rooney Show: "There's a lot to be worked on... Manchester United really needed to hit the ground running this season and one point from six now is bit of a worry.
"Players are getting moved around the pitch and into different positions. You see Mason Mount playing two or three positions, Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad... the players are moving into different positions and then from that you can't get settled.
"It can be very frustrating. And then all of a sudden you get fed up with it and that shows through body language as well.
"I just hope that doesn't start to happen with these new players because there's a lot of ability in there. And already early on, the worry is there are three centre-backs but it's too easy for forward and midfield players to get on to the centre back.
"You should see United at the start of a new season saying: 'Right, last season's gone. Let's make sure we have a good start and let's stick together.' Already, though, we're starting to see those gaps, so that's a big concern for me.
"We're seeing things we were seeing last season. I hoped all the mistakes, players walking and being easy to play against at times would have gone, but that was a bit of a worry.
"There are no excuses now for the manager this season. He's got to start getting results and get the results quickly because once you start getting into October and November, if the results don't change drastically, then that's where the pressure comes."
United set for 'fascinating' final week of transfer window published at 13:43 BST 25 August
13:43 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It will be fascinating to see how the next week plays out for Manchester United.
Of the 'bomb squad', most expect Alejandro Garnacho to end up at Chelsea and Antony to secure a return to Real Betis - but negotiations for both will not be straightforward.
Tyrell Malacia has been attracting interest from Serie A, while there is a suspicion Roma might come back in for Jadon Sancho.
Napoli are expected to make a renewed attempt to bring in Rasmus Hojlund, who was again left out of Ruben Amorim's squad for the Premier League draw at Fulham.
And then we have Senne Lammens, who United are negotiating with Royal Antwerp over but with uncertainty remaining over whether the deal will happen or who, if anyone, will leave if it does.
