Manchester United's plans for the upcoming January transfer window have sparked buzz, focusing on young talent Kobbie Mainoo. Reports suggest that the club is open to letting him go, but only if they secure a formidable replacement first.

The Red Devils have had a topsy-turvy start to the season, earning just seven points from their first five Premier League games. Fans are particularly frustrated, given the hefty £200 million outlay on new players in the summer, which left the already scrutinized midfield untouched.

Previously linked with Brighton's promising midfielder, Carlos Baleba, United’s concrete interest seems postponed until the summer, with Brighton holding out for a significant fee.

Manager Ruben Amorim faced criticism when he hinted that Mainoo wouldn’t start unless it meant sidelining star Bruno Fernandes. This public declaration prompted the club to convince Mainoo to stay during the final days of the summer transfer window.

So far this season, Mainoo hasn’t made a starting appearance in the Premier League, accumulating only three substitute outings. Now, sources like Football Insider indicate that United might part with him this winter—conditional on bringing in a quality midfielder.

Transfer expert Pete O'Rourke noted, "If he’s not getting regular games under Amorim, he's likely to seek a fresh challenge, similar to earlier this summer. United genuinely doesn’t want to lose him, but any departure would hinge on securing a competent replacement in the midfield."

Despite the uncertainty, the club appears to be counting on Mainoo, expecting him to remain at Old Trafford.

Legendary midfielder Paul Scholes chimed in, expressing his bewilderment at Mainoo's current situation. He emphasized that Mainoo needs a solid partner on the field, stating, "He burst onto the scene a couple of years ago, but I've been scratching my head over this current predicament. In modern football, having a partner who knows the ins and outs of the game is crucial."

Scholes likened his own experiences to Mainoo's, recalling the exceptional players he had beside him in his prime. Drawing parallels, he noted that the partnership dynamics could be impacting the team's overall performance.

As the January window looms, the stakes for Mainoo and Manchester United are high—will they strike a deal, or will the young prodigy find his footing in the Red Devils' lineup?