Kobbie Mainoo receives West Ham United guarantee

Manchester United’s January transfer window is expected to be a crucial one as Ruben Amorim looks to balance squad depth with player development.

The Portuguese manager has been vocal about maintaining consistency within the team, particularly with several academy graduates pushing for more minutes.

United’s recent run of mixed performances has placed greater emphasis on managing young talent wisely, ensuring their progress doesn’t stall on the sidelines.

With domestic competitions intensifying, the question of whether to loan out certain players has resurfaced, and one name keeps drawing attention.

That player is Kobbie Mainoo, with reports suggesting that a Premier League rival is ready to hand him a starring role if United agree to a temporary move.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, West Ham United have already made their intentions clear, offering first-team assurances to the 20-year-old midfielder should he join them on loan in January.

Romano revealed the details on his Here We Go podcast, saying:

“(It) depends on what Ruben Amorim wants to do because the desire for Amorim would be to keep the same squad in terms of players leaving in the January transfer window.

“So let’s see what’s going to happen there. There is interest from England, West Ham, for example, for sure (are) offering a guaranteed starting spot to Kobbie Mainoo.”

Romano also noted that European clubs are monitoring the youngster closely, with interest stretching beyond the Premier League.

“There is interest from Italy.

“Also, Napoli are looking for a midfielder after the injury of Kevin De Bruyne, and Kobbie Mainoo has always been on the short list.

“So for sure, Kobbie is going to be one to watch depending on what Man United want to do.”

Amorim is reportedly reluctant to lose any of his core squad members midway through the season, and Mainoo is regarded as one of United’s brightest prospects.

However, with strong competition for midfield places at Old Trafford, a short-term loan could be seen as an opportunity for the England international to gain regular top-flight experience, particularly with West Ham promising immediate playing time.