Ruben Amorim has declared Kobbie Mainoo as 'the future of Manchester United' and indicated that the 20-year-old midfielder is unlikely to leave the club in the January transfer window. Despite heavy links with Napoli and Bayern Munich, Amorim sees Mainoo as part of his long-term plans, even though the youngster has not started a single Premier League match this season.
Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle, Amorim said: 'He's going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling. He just needs to wait for his chance and everything can change in football in two days.' The United boss also downplayed the chances of a January exit, stating: 'If we are not getting someone, it is hard to leave. Even with a full squad we are shorter for something that can happen here so it's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution.'
Mainoo will miss the Newcastle match due to a calf injury, adding to United's midfield woes with Bruno Fernandes also sidelined and Casemiro suspended. The England Under-21 international has made only one start this season, in the Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town in August.
Amorim also confirmed that no decisions have been made on the futures of Casemiro and Harry Maguire, both out of contract in June. 'There is no decision. We have a lot to do and we need to understand what is going to happen the next season,' he added.
