Mainoo’s prospects in the first team have not improved as the season has progressed and figures close to the club anticipate he will agitate for a transfer away.
United want him to keep working and to seize opportunities that arise in order to prove he deserves a regular place in the side. However, Mainoo is beginning to feel the season is slipping away.
Club sources maintain there is little benefit in approving a dry loan deal and United have generally taken the stance that loan moves - both in and out - offer limited long-term value. That position, however, is going to be tested.
While Mainoo’s situation is one concern, the club must also make a decision regarding Joshua Zirkzee. He is wanted by Roma, who are considering a loan offer that also includes an option to buy. They hope that could encourage United to let him out.
There is additionally the possibility of pursuing a loan deal of their own - for Conor Gallagher - should United decide to strengthen their midfield. If Zirkzee leaves, a forward with top-level experience could also be considered to support the squad through the season.
This is a complicated period because United’s preference remains to recruit players who can contribute over the long term - a strategy agreed upon before the campaign began. Yet mounting interest from other clubs could challenge that approach.
In terms of Mainoo, renewed links with Chelsea have emerged.
Mainoo has been on Chelsea’s radar before and the sides agreed a move for Alejandro Garnacho to move to London in the summer.
It is debatable whether Mainoo would receive significantly more minutes at Stamford Bridge, given their existing midfield options, but Chelsea are believed to be assessing cover for the injury-prone Romeo Lavia.
Napoli have also shown interest and while United intend to prioritise their own needs, there is a growing sense that the situation is reaching a decisive point.
It is well known that United want to sign two midfielders as long-term successors to Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, and there appears to be limited confidence in Mainoo or Manuel Ugarte stepping into those roles.
As reported last week, Carlos Baleba seems out of reach for now because of his high valuation at Brighton, despite a dip in form. Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton remain leading Premier League options.
