Phil Jones tips ‘terrific’ Man Utd star to leave in January after Chelsea win

Phil Jones believes one Manchester United star may try to force a transfer exit in January following the chaotic win over Chelsea.

Ruben Amorim got a much-needed victory on Saturday when United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford in a match where both sides had a player sent off.

While not perfect, the performance was much-improved from last weekend’s Manchester derby loss and the result gives the under-pressure head coach some reprieve.

One thing that has not changed however is the Kobbie Mainoo situation, with the young midfielder yet again not getting much game time.

Mainoo is yet to start in the Premier League this season, playing just 76 minutes off the bench, including a three minute cameo against Chelsea.

Amorim has explained that the England international is competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the line-up, but in a World Cup year he needs games and that could lead to him leaving Old Trafford very soon, according to Jones.

‘Kobbie is a player that I really, really admire. I loved watching him come into the team and I remember his performance at Everton away, his first start,’ the former United defender told Stadium Astro.

‘He absolutely bossed the game, he really dictated it. He was terrific that night, it was a mature performance, and he carried on that season. He did really well. Played in a lot of games.

‘It just looks like at the minute he’s out of favour. The manager’s already come out and stated that he’s not going to be playing with Bruno. It’s going to be him or the other and you’re not going to dislodge Bruno in the form that he’s in and the way that he carries the team at times with his assists and goals.

‘So, he’s going to find it difficult for games and United aren’t in any European competitions this season. So, there’s not another competition that he might have got some game time in.

‘Time will tell, but I think by Christmas and January time, if he’s not had the game time that he’ll like, then I’m sure he’ll be trying to force a loan move.’

After not playing at all in United’s opening two games of the season, Mainoo asked to leave on loan but Amorim blocked the request, despite interest from several Premier League clubs.

Chelsea have long been linked with the 20-year-old and are rumoured to be plotting a move for him next year, while Cole Palmer seemingly endorsed his club to sign Mainoo on Instagram earlier this month.

With Casemiro suspended for United’s clash against Brentford next Saturday, there is a chance Mainoo could start, but Manuel Ugarte will almost certainly be picked instead.

‘It’s unfortunate because you look at a player like Kobbie and he’s got so much ability to be sitting on the bench, but unfortunately you play for Man United and you’ve got one of the best players at Man United in your position at the minute,’ Jones added.

‘I see him as a No.6. I think he’s really good in terms of linking the play and building from the back, offering his support and dropping down at the right time to link the play to build. He’s so comfortable receiving the ball under pressure with his back to goal and he manipulates it so well that the defender can’t even nick it.

‘I love Kobbie. I think he’s a terrific player. I just worry, is he going to get enough game time this season?’

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