Everton have reportedly identified Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as an ambitious January loan target as David Moyes looks to bolster his engine room for the second half of the season.
The Toffees are navigating a tricky winter window where creativity and control are high on the agenda. With Everton facing a congested fixture list and midfield resources stretched, reports from Football Talk suggest the club are testing the waters regarding Mainoo’s availability, seeking to capitalise on the 20-year-old’s frustrating lack of game time at Old Trafford.
Context: The Amorim Squeeze
Kobbie Mainoo’s situation has become one of the more puzzling narratives of the 2025/26 campaign. After a breakout season under the previous regime, the England international has found life difficult under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager’s rigid 3-4-2-1 system places heavy physical demands on the central midfield pairing, and Amorim has frequently preferred other options who he feels offer greater defensive stability or tactical discipline.
Mainoo has been restricted largely to cameo appearances this term, a stark contrast to his status as a starter just 12 months ago. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon this summer, the lack of regular Premier League minutes is a genuine concern for the player. Gareth Southgate’s successor has made it clear that only regular starters will be on the plane to North America, leaving Mainoo in a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Everton’s need is driven by immediate personnel issues. Idrissa Gueye’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has left a void in midfield, while injuries to key rotation options have forced Moyes to look for short-term, high-quality solutions. The link to Mainoo suggests Everton are aiming high, hoping to offer the youngster the platform he needs to force his way back into England contention.
Transfer Logic: Does It Make Sense?
On paper, a loan move ticks boxes for all parties, though it remains fraught with complications. For Everton, Mainoo would bring a level of technical security and ball progression that they sometimes lack. His ability to receive the ball in tight spaces would help alleviate the pressure on a defence that Moyes has worked hard to organise. Playing alongside a more destructive partner, Mainoo could thrive in a system that allows him to dictate tempo—something he hasn't been able to do from the United bench.
For the player, a six-month stint at Goodison Park offers Premier League intensity without the suffocating spotlight of Old Trafford’s current tactical transition. Moyes has a strong track record of rehabilitating the form of talented players who have lost their way at top-six clubs (notably Jesse Lingard at West Ham), and Mainoo could be the next beneficiary of that environment.
However, the stumbling block is likely to be Manchester United’s squad depth. Despite Amorim’s reluctance to start Mainoo, the club is competing on multiple fronts and may be hesitant to strengthen a Premier League rival, even one not directly competing for the same European spots. Furthermore, sanctioning the exit of a homegrown fan favourite could be a political headache for the United hierarchy if they fail to bring in a replacement.
It is understood that while Mainoo is "pushing" for a temporary exit to save his World Cup dream, United’s stance remains firm that he is part of the long-term project. Whether that resolve holds as the deadline approaches remains to be seen.
What Happens Next?
This feels like a saga that could drag towards the end of the window. Everton will likely explore other targets but keep the door open for Mainoo should United’s stance soften. If Amorim secures a midfield target of his own—rumours of a new #6 continue to circulate—Mainoo might be granted his wish. For now, it is a situation to watch closely, with the player’s desire for minutes potentially becoming the deciding factor.