(Credit: Imago)

Edward Bazeley

Mon 18 August 2025 10:22, UK

Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career is all-but over after he was an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Bryan Mbeumo and Kobbie Mainoo respond after Man United player exit confirmed	Man United silver lining vs Arsenal should mean nothing as damning Ruben Amorim stat emerges	Man United in discussions with Roma for defender Ruben Amorim is willing to sell

As Ruben Amorim favoured Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes over Mainoo, Man United lost to Arsenal on 17 August, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s solitary goal.

The Red Devils boss shuffled his midfield pack in the second half, with Casemiro making way for Manuel Ugarte.

However, there was no room for Mainoo in Amorim’s plans, on an afternoon when summer signing Matheus Cunha impressed.

Amorim appears set to sell Mainoo (Credit: Imago)

Amid Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford, Tottenham have eyed a move for Mainoo this summer, as Thomas Frank vies to further bolster the squad he inherited from Ange Postecoglou.

The fact that the England international watched on as an unused substitute in his side’s Premier League opener on Sunday indicates his lowly position in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Man United are rivalling Real Madrid’s interest in Adam Wharton, thanks to the former Blackburn Rovers man’s impressive performances at Crystal Palace.

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The North West club’s plot to sign Wharton shows that Amorim is keen to seek an upgrade on Mainoo before the summer transfer window closes.

Furthermore, selling Mainoo would help facilitate Man United’s move for Wharton, especially given the fact that offloading their academy graduate would bolster their PSR status.

Additionally, the 20-year-old’s contract talks with Amorim’s men have stalled, while he has two years left on his current deal.



Man United have targeted a move for Wharton (Credit: Imago)

Football Insider verdict

While Sunday’s events show that Mainoo’s days at Man United are numbered, Amorim must not sell the starlet without acquiring an upgrade in the summer transfer market.

Meanwhile, the Old Trafford club’s interest in Wharton proves that they are eager to strengthen their midfield in preparation for their Premier League campaign.

Adam Wharton statsAll competitions 2024/25Appearances20Goals0Assists2Wharton has been a class act for Palace

Despite Altay Bayindir’s glaring error against Arsenal, Amorim is unsure whether Man United will sign a new goalkeeper, allowing him to focus on the midfield area.

After joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn in 2024, Wharton quickly established himself as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the Premier League and was deservedly selected in England’s squad for the 2024 European Championship.

The 21-year-old went on to play a key role as the Eagles claimed FA Cup glory last season, proving that he would be a real asset for Man United.

Furthermore, Palace’s demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League should make him more eager to join Amorim’s side.

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