Man Utd DISASTER: Man City join Chelsea in race to sign Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester City have joined Chelsea in the race for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to a report.

The England international finds himself in a bizarre position under head coach Ruben Amorim. Mainoo has to compete with captain Bruno Fernandes in the head coach’s system, so he is naturally fighting a losing battle.

Mainoo requested to leave Man Utd on loan in the final days of the summer window, but the club refused to grant his wish. Even sister club Nice, who would have allowed owners INEOS to retain full control of the 20-year-old, were snubbed.

Instead of playing regularly ahead of the World Cup, Mainoo has to make do with a substitute role in a struggling side. It’s a thankless task, but he may take solace in the fact that Amorim will perhaps not be in the job for much longer.

Whatever the case, Man Utd’s decision to force him to stay won’t have gone down well, and the youngster’s future is set to be a hotly debated topic until the January window rolls around.

Mainoo to join Man Utd’s rivals?

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Newcastle are plotting a January swoop for Mainoo as manager Eddie Howe is a huge admirer of the midfielder. Chelsea, too, have been repeatedly linked with Mainoo since the previous winter window.

Now, TEAMtalk claims that Man City have entered the race as well. Pep Guardiola is said to be the driving force behind the Cityzens’ interest.

Mainoo asked to only leave on loan in the summer due to his strong attachment to Man Utd, so a move to their hated local rivals would come as a massive shock.

Of course, a transfer to City would be a permanent one rather than a loan. Man Utd are reportedly demanding at least €80 million to consider a sale of their wonderkid.

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