Koby Mainu has been advised to leave Manchester United during the January transfer window, with the midfielder yet to start a Premier League game this season.
Manager Alan Shearer has urged Koby Mainu to consider quitting Manchester United because the midfielder is struggling to get game minutes. The England international has yet to make a single Premier League start this season and has only made 11 substitute appearances under manager Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo again came off the bench in the thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night, earning a rapturous ovation from the home supporters. The 20-year-old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent months, with the January transfer deadline fast approaching.
Chelsea, West Ham and Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Maynou. However, United are said to have no intention of allowing the academy graduate to leave just yet.
read more: Sir Alex Ferguson gives honest verdict on Manchester United’s brutal warning to Ruben Amorimread more: Ruben Neves has emerged as a bargain option for Man United in the January transfer window
But Shearer believes parting ways could benefit all parties.
“Obviously the manager doesn’t like Koby Mainu,” Shearer said in an interview with Betfair. “Because if you don’t get in when your team is really struggling, there’s a problem.
“And I think from the outside looking in, this move looks like it’s better for all parties.
“This is not the first time we have seen Manchester United players not conforming to the manager’s wishes and he is not afraid to sack them, send them out on loan or sell them. And that seems to be the case with him as well.”
“I don’t know, I’m not inside the club and I don’t know what his attitude is like. But looking from the outside, it would be best for both parties if he could go out and play football after January.”
“Whether it’s a loan or a permanent contract, we’ll have to wait and see. But obviously, if he’s not playing, we’ll have to look at the situation and get out.”
When asked about Mainu’s limited minutes this season, Amorim was candid about his team selection.
“I see him (Mainu) as a starter like any other player,” Amorim said last month. “I have to make a choice, and at the end of the day, it wasn’t Coby.
“I don’t know about the future. Again, I always think the same thing about Casemiro. (He) didn’t play, but then he will play. I just want to win games. I don’t care who is playing.”
United legend Paul Scholes echoed Shearer’s sentiments, suggesting Maynou might be better off looking for opportunities elsewhere. In response to Amorim’s recent comments about Mainu, Scholes posted on Instagram: “That kid (Mainu) is being ruined by not letting him play for a team that can’t control the game of football.”
“I hate to see all the old players go, but this is the best time for him, enough is enough.”
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