Manchester United have moved swiftly to prevent a playing staff crisis from compounding their managerial upheaval, with the club hierarchy categorically ruling out a January exit for Kobbie Mainoo. Following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this week, Old Trafford chiefs have issued a "not for sale" notice to circling European giants.
The report, carried by The Daily Express (via MSN), confirms that the instability in the dugout had encouraged rivals to test Unitedâs resolve regarding their most prized academy asset. However, Dan Ashworth and the INEOS sporting department have slammed the door on any potential negotiations.
The Madrid Threat
The primary concern for United remains Real Madrid. The Spanish champions have long viewed Mainoo as a future engine room partner for Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. With United currently languishing outside the Champions League places and without a permanent manager, the fear is that Mainooâs camp could be tempted by the stability and silverware guarantee offered at the Bernabeu.
Mainoo, whose contract runs until 2027, has reportedly been unsettled by the chaotic nature of Amorimâs 14-month tenure and subsequent exit. However, United view him as a "non-negotiable" pillar of the rebuild. The board is aware that sanctioning the sale of a generational academy talent in the middle of a managerial crisis would be viewed as an unforgivable surrender by the fanbase.
Protecting the Incoming Interim
The decision to block any exit is also a strategic move to support the incoming interim manager. With Michael Carrick heavily tipped to take the reins at Old Trafford this week, the hierarchy is determined to hand him a squad capable of salvaging European football from the wreckage of the 2025/26 campaign.
Losing Mainooâstatistically Unitedâs most press-resistant midfielder and key ball progressorâwould render the job almost impossible for any incoming coach. The current squad is already thin on confidence; stripping away its brightest spark would signal a white flag for the remainder of the season.
Financial Reality Check
While Unitedâs compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) remains a tightrope walk, the club has decided that Mainoo is not the lever to pull for liquidity. Instead, fringe players such as Antony or Harry Maguire remain available for transfer, though finding buyers on their wages continues to be Ashworthâs headache.
For now, the message is clear: the manager may have gone, but the clubâs best talent is staying put. However, if United fail to secure Champions League football again, the Kobbie Mainoo next club odds suggest the summer window will bring a far more aggressive test of INEOS's resolve.