There was a time many believed Manchester United’s future was safe with Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo – but the promising trio are out of the frame under Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United have been the subject of lots of change in recent years, especially with Sir Jim Ratcliffe becoming a co-owner in 2024 and instructing Ineos to lead football operations.
Ratcliffe would prefer a smoother transition after enduring a turbulent 2024/25 season, with United finishing 15th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Unfortunately, Amorim’s side has struggled since the beginning of the new season. The Red Devils remain winless after three matches.
Amorim expected results to improve after signing four new players and revamping the attacking department.
Meanwhile, the United head coach has made his feelings clear on some of the players he wants to move on ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund decline
A photo of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund went viral in February 2024 for all the right reasons.
The promising trio sat on the advertising boards at Old Trafford in celebration, with most United fans believing the photo showcased a bright future for the club.
However, a year-and-a-half on, Hojlund and Garnacho are on the verge of leaving, and Mainoo is no longer deemed a starter.
The photo in question led to universal enthusiasm, but Mainoo’s comments at the time now show that things have not gone quite as planned.
In his first big interview as a senior player, Mainoo told ManUtd.com: “I mean, three young players with I believe bright futures and so hopefully it can go on to be an iconic picture and hopefully we can do great things for the club.”
“They’re my boys, man. Obviously we’re all young, so we’re always together. We’re always talking and stuff like that. I’ve known Garna a while now from the academy.
“We came off the bench against City [for our Under-18s debuts]. That was back when he didn’t speak any English so we didn’t really know him that well, but we have grown a great relationship, all three of us, so hopefully it can stay that way for the future.”
These comments have come back to bite as Garnacho completes a move to Chelsea and Hojlund closes in on a loan deal at Napoli.
Other reports suggest Mainoo wants to leave United on loan in search of regular football.
Napoli want Mainoo to reunite with Scott McTominay
Serie A champions Napoli are on the verge of striking a deal to sign Hojlund, but they may look to sign another United player before Monday’s deadline.
According to The Mirror, Napoli have a four-year contract waiting for Mainoo.
The report adds that Mianoo has told United chiefs he wants to go to the Serie A – on a permanent deal.
However, Fabrizio Romano has since dismissed reports that Mainoo wants to leave United permanently.
A move to Napoli would see Mainoo reunite with fellow academy graduate Scott McTominay.
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