Newcastle United have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Manchester United midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Manchester United have no intentions of letting Kobbie Mainoo leave the club in January after having turned down his request to leave the club in the recently concluded summer transfer window. While Newcastle United retain interest in the English international, they might have to look at alternatives.

Mainoo has come up the ranks at United. He got promoted to the first team at the start of 2023 and has only gone from strength to strength since. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder had a sensational start to life at the senior level.

Mainoo is struggling for minutes

He was a regular feature under Erik ten Hag, and his impressive performances even helped him break into the English national team. However, the arrival of Ruben Amorim at the club has hampered his progress. The 20-year-old isn’t an ideal fit for the Portuguese manager’s system, and he hasn’t had regular game time of late.

Amorim wants him to contribute on both ends of the pitch and better understand his role. Mainoo is expected to compete with Bruno Fernandes for a place in the XI. Since he was aware that he wouldn’t get regular minutes this season, the midfield sensation did push for a move away during the summer

However, things didn’t go according to plan for him as United blocked a loan exit because they lacked depth in the centre of the park. Newcastle, who pursued him during the summer, still retain an interest and could return for his signature when the transfer window reopens.

O’Rourke on Mainoo’s future

But, they are unlikely to get their hands on the 20-year-old in January as O’Rourke believes United won’t change their stance for now.

While speaking on the Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke said: “We reported in the summer window that Newcastle were one of the clubs that were looking at Mainoo.

“So obviously that interest hasn’t really gone away and they will continue to monitor his situation at Old Trafford.

“United obviously blocked any potential move in the summer window because they felt they needed him as they were a bit short in midfield as it is.

“I can’t see United being willing to let Mainoo leave again in the January transfer window.”

The Magpies feel they do not have enough options in the centre of the park. They consider Mainoo a great option for the short and long run. Eddie Howe’s team will certainly knock on United’s door again in January. They have already stepped up their pursuit of the English midfield sensation.

While the Red Devils are unlikely to change their stance, a significant financial offer can certainly make them reconsider their position with regard to the 20-year-old. Mainoo remains keen on playing regular first-team football as he wants to push for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup next summer. As a result, he will certainly be interested in a switch if Amorim continues to keep him on the bench.