Manchester United have informed Kobbie Mainoo that he will NOT be sold in January, but there are signs that his relationship with the club is becoming strained.

The rumour mill went into overdrive when Mainoo's brother sported a 'FREE KOBBIE MAINOO' shirt during the Bournemouth match and shared it on social media. Shortly after the game, Mainoo himself posted an uncaptioned photo on Instagram featuring him and fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee.

Manchester United have outlined their intentions when it comes to the departure of Kobbie Mainoo in January. The out-of-favour midfielder has struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim this season, after being told he could not leave on loan during the summer window.

For England's forgotten men there is a clean slate under Thomas Tuchel, and their exclusions are a sign that football moves fast

Despite once being regarded as one of the most promising young players, Kobbie Mainoo has found himself on the fringes at Manchester United. Interestingly, Bruno Fernandes has played a significant role in reducing Mainoo's playing time under Ruben Amorim's management.

Former Manchester United star Paul Ince has urged Kobbie Mainoo to leave Old Trafford in January and has warned that the 20-year-old risks missing out on England's 2026 World Cup squad if he continues to languish on the bench.

Mo Salah returned for Liverpool on Saturday but his future on Merseyside remains unclear ahead of the January transfer window opening, much like that of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United

A loan away to Napoli seems like a great option at the moment. Let him go and play, rekindle his development in a league where his qualities should shine. Then in the summer we’ll see, perhaps the manager changes his mind. That feels unlikely though and so if Amorim continues in the job then a sale would be the only realistic option.