An update on the future of Kobbie Mainoo has emerged, with a surprise new favourite emerging in the race to sign Manchester United’s in-demand midfielder.

Mainoo has had a supporting role at Old Trafford since Ruben Amorim arrived in November of last year.

Those inside the club believed he was the midfield’s future for years to come after he had such a strong start under Erik ten Hag. The 20-year-old hasn’t yet settled into Amorim’s intense 3-4-2-1 system, though.

He has yet to play a minute this season in games against Arsenal and Fulham after struggling for playing time toward the close of United’s 2024–25 campaign, which includes their loss to Spurs in the Europa League final.

The midfield player is therefore being closely associated with a summer transfer.

According to the Mail, United is likely to make a decision over Mainoo’s future within the next 48 hours after eleven clubs have shown interest in him and others have contacted them since Monday.

Chelsea, who have long admired Mainoo, are currently 10/3 favorites with Sky Bet to buy him before the deadline next month. However, in a somewhat unexpected change of events, Everton is also 10/3 to make a bold move.

Next on the market are Brighton (7/2) and Premier League teams Aston Villa (17/2), Tottenham (10/1) and Nottingham Forest (10/1) as well as Juventus (9/2), Inter Milan (5/1) and Bayern Munich (13/2).

As per the Mail, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on Mainoo.

Ruben Amorim explains why Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t played this season

As previously stated, Mainoo has not been utilized as a substitute in either of United’s first two games against Fulham and Arsenal.

In the 1-1 tie at Craven Cottage, Ruben Amorim deployed all five substitutions but decided not to start Mainoo, instead substituting Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven in the last minutes.

Following the final whistle against Fulham, Amorim provided an explanation for his choice, stating that Mainoo is vying for a starting position with captain Bruno Fernandes.

According to Amorim, “he is fighting for the position now with Bruno.” Mason Mount was left there when I switched to two midfielders because I thought the team needed a holding midfielder close to Bruno in order to score a goal.

“So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno like it should be at Manchester United.”