By Jack Flintham
Copyright manchestereveningnews
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has insisted that he can see Kobbie Mainoo leaving Old Trafford in the January transfer window should his game-time not increase following the 2-1 victory over Chelsea . Mainoo has endured a tough start to the campaign as Ruben Amorim has struggled to accommodate him in his team since taking over in November. Having been overlooked for a start in the Premier League , the midfielder requested to leave United on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, but his request was rejected by the Reds. Amorim has tried to justify Mainoo’s lack of minutes by suggesting that he is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot. However, Jones believes that this is unlikely to appease Mainoo heading into the next transfer window. Speaking with Stadium Astro pitchside at Old Trafford, the former centre-back explained: “Kobbie is a player that I really, really admire. I loved watching him come into the team and I remember his performance at Everton away, his first start. “He absolutely bossed the game, he really dictated it. He was terrific that night, it was a mature performance, and he carried on that season. “He did really well. [He] played in a lot of games. “It just looks like at the minute he’s out of favour. The manager has already come out and stated he’s not going to be playing with Bruno. “It’s going to be him or the other and you’re not going to dislodge Bruno in the form that he’s in and the way that he carries the team at times with his assists and goals. So, he’s going to find it difficult for games and United aren’t in any European competitions this season. “There’s not another competition that he might’ve got some game-time in. Time will tell, but I think by Christmas and January time, if he’s not had the game time that he’ll like, then I’m sure he will be trying to force a loan move.” As well as his ambition to perform domestically, Mainoo will also be eager to showcase his talents this campaign ahead of the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. In 2024, Mainoo was called up for the England squad that reached the European Championships final – after impressing for United. — Here at The Manchester Evening News , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories. And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts , and you can also watch along on YouTube .