UMVA has learned that Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo could have seen his career take a drastic turn last summer, with a potential departure from Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old midfielder had an impressive 2023/24 season, earning a starting spot for England at the European Championship, but his fortunes changed with the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim did not seem to rate Mainoo highly, and the youngster found himself out of the starting XI, with his future suddenly uncertain.
However, things took a turn for the better with Amorim's departure in January, and Mainoo was immediately back in the team under caretaker boss Darren Fletcher and then interim manager Michael Carrick.
Mainoo has been a consistently good performer ever since and will head to the World Cup with England this summer, returning to his position as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Mainoo was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer and had the chance to do just that, with Chelsea making their interest clear.
Chelsea wanted to sign Mainoo permanently for around £40m, but Mainoo rejected that proposition, with the idea of a permanent switch to west London holding no appeal.
Napoli were the other interested party, but a temporary or permanent move to Italy could not be agreed as Manchester United knew they would have to bring in a replacement if he left.
Amorim's departure solved the problems for Mainoo as he was straight back into the starting XI after he left and has since signed a new long-term contract which runs until 2031.
Mainoo has spoken glowingly about the influence of Carrick, who has now seen his interim role become permanent, saying he's played a huge part in the team's resurgence.
Carrick has returned the compliments, saying he's been hugely impressed with Mainoo since he's been at the club, and that he epitomises the football club, being a young player coming through the Academy with real talent.
