Ruben Amorim says Kobbie Mainoo will not be allowed to leave Manchester United in January

Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United has become a source of speculation.

The 20-year-old wants more first-team action and is pushing for a loan exit in the winter transfer window .

But manager Ruben Amorim has clearly said the midfielder will not be permitted to leave United in January.

Amorim called Mainoo ‘the future’ of the club, and also insisted the youngster will get opportunities amid the squad’s injury issues.

Speaking to the media before Saturday’s home fixture with Newcastle United , the Portuguese boss said: “Kobbie will have the opportunity that he has all the time.

“He played in different positions. We talk about the position of Casemiro, [Mainoo] can do that position. If we play with three, he can play like we played in the last game [against Aston Villa] — the position of Mason Mount in this game, he can play there.

“So, in the future, he’s going to be the future of Manchester United . That is my feeling. You just need to wait for each chance. And everything can change in football in two days.”

Mainoo has been ruled out of the Newcastle game with a calf injury, but he is expected to be available for the New Year period.

The England international has not started a Premier League match this season, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, Mainoo will likely start in the team on his return, as the club could be without Fernandes for potentially five league and cup games due to a hamstring issue.

Amorim faces a huge task on Saturday against Newcastle, who are unbeaten in their previous two fixtures across all competitions.

The Red Devils lost 2-1 to Aston Villa last weekend and currently remain without Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire due to injury problems.

Meanwhile, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are also playing for their respective nations at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Stats from Transfermarkt