11/10/2025
Ruben Amorim back in danger of breaking golden MU rule as meetings scheduled
Man Utd have a long tradition when it comes to bringing young players into the first team fold, but that could be about to change with the January window on the horizon
Manchester United could see an 87-year record broken if midfielder Kobbie Mainoo leaves the club. The academy graduate has struggled for regular game time under Ruben Amorim so far this season.
After being an unused substitute for the opening two Premier League games, Mainoo has been used off the bench in the last five games but is yet to be named in a starting line-up. His only start this season came in the Carabao Cup loss to League Two Grimsby Town back in August.
Mainoo was linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, with the England international outlining his desire to go out on loan. United, however, wanted to keep the player and resisted any approaches.
The lack of starts has seen Mainoo linked with a transfer in January, with Serie A club Napoli said to be confident of a deal . The Italian side were one of the clubs linked with an interest back in the summer.
ESPN now report that United are set to hold talks with both Mainoo and teammate Joshua Zirkzee over their future, ahead of the transfer window re-opening in the new year. Both players are reported to have concerns over their lack of game time.
The outcome of those talks could have an impact on the transfer decision when the January window comes around. If United do decide to let Mainoo leave, then a record that has stood since 1937 could be on the line.
United have had an academy graduate involved in every matchday squad since October 1937, an 87-year streak. However, against Sunderland before the international break, Mainoo was the only member of the squad to come from the academy.
Without Mainoo in the squad, that record could potentially come to an end. That could be potentially be another thing going against Ruben Amorim, who has found himself under pressure after a mixed start to the new Premier League season.
Speaking last month about the record potentially coming to an end, Amorim made his stance clear. "We want to maintain it," he said.
"The past of Manchester United is built on kids. I don't want to be the guy that breaks that."
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United have had an academy graduate involved in every matchday squad since October 1937, an 87-year streak. However, against Sunderland before the international break, Mainoo was the only member of the squad to come from the academy.
Without Mainoo in the squad, that record could potentially come to an end. That could be potentially be another thing going against Ruben Amorim, who has found himself under pressure after a mixed start to the new Premier League season.
Speaking last month about the record potentially coming to an end, Amorim made his stance clear. "We want to maintain it," he said.
"The past of Manchester United is built on kids. I don't want to be the guy that breaks that."
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
