Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a surprise target for Leeds United before the end of the transfer window.
According to MOT Leeds News, Leeds have prepared the England international as a ‘soft target’ but the likeliness of a move to Elland Road happening remains low for the timebeing as the story develops.
Mainoo is yet to feature in the Premier League this season, as Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim has opted for other substitutes when chasing goals.
Though still early in the season, Mainoo’s lack of minutes has sparked rumours of a possible loan exit in a World Cup year for England.
The player will therefore be keen to find a solution – either fighting for his place and reassessing the situation in January, or moving elsewhere immediately in search of game time.
Absence of Ampadu Being Felt For Leeds
Since the confirmation of Ethan Ampadu’s injury by the club, Leeds have been looking to fill the gap in midfield without breaking the bank after making ten signings already this summer.
Ampadu’s absence was particularly felt in the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, with Ilia Gruev drafted in as his replacement.
Soon after the MCL injury to the Welshman was confirmed, manager Daniel Farke was quick to highlight Ampadu’s importance in this team: “He’s our captain, not just in performance, but also in the dressing room.”
“From his overall presence and body language, he’s a very important player.”
Ampadu is expected to remain sidelined until after September’s international break, but the West Yorkshire club are still keen to add another midfielder.
Mainoo could prove a sensational addition to the squad, bringing a level of quality reminiscent of Kalvin Phillips in Leeds’ maiden Premier League campaign under Marcelo Bielsa.
Mainoo Out Of Favour At Old Trafford
After Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at the weekend, Amorim was asked about Mainoo’s continued exclusion.
He explained: “He [Mainoo] is fighting for the position now with Bruno [Fernandes].”
“So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training, as it should be at Manchester United.”
During a turbulent 2024/25 season, Amorim deployed Mainoo in a number of different roles.
The young midfielder was tested as a holding midfielder, advanced midfielder, and even as a false nine within the 3-4-3 system.
How Mainoo Would Fit In At Elland Road
Daniel Farke prefers a 4-3-3 system, which suits a player of Mainoo’s calibre perfectly.
The arrivals of Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach have added depth, but Mainoo’s inclusion would raise the midfield’s level considerably.
Amorim’s insistence on his system continues to restrict Mainoo’s prospects at Old Trafford, a situation that will worsen if United’s winless run in the Premier League continues.
A move to Leeds would be geographically convenient, and would likely only be feasible as a loan for both financial and practical reasons.
Neither United nor the player are keen on a loan to a Premier League rival, but the upcoming fixtures against Grimsby Town and Burnley may prove decisive for Mainoo’s short-term future if he does not push for a loan move before September 1.
Transfer movements between the two clubs are rare, and would follow the likes of Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith and more recently, Dan James.
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