Under Ruben Amorim, the midfielder has struggled to make frequent starts.
Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as well as more than £40 million, in order to get a Real Madrid player.
Mainoo has battled for consistent game time at United since Ruben Amorim took over in the dugout in November.
The 20-year-old progressed through the Old Trafford development system and has seven goals in 76 appearances in all competitions.
He was part of the squad that won the 2024 FA Cup and has ten England caps.
However, he has only started one game for United this season, a second-round Carabao Cup defeat on penalties to League Two club Grimsby Town.
Before the summer transfer window closed, it was revealed that Mainoo had requested a season-long loan from United in order to gain more regular playing time ahead of the World Cup next summer.
However, the request was denied, and Amorim spoke about the midfielder earlier this month, saying he believes he has room for improvement.
He said, “I have a strong belief in him. He is a top player. However, some of you believe that Kobbie Mainoo is already finished [a complete player]. I believe he can do much better.
“For some guys, talent is enough; for him, it is not. Maybe it’s not fair, but I believe I’m assisting Kobbie, and that’s it.”
The United manager had earlier stated: “I want Kobbie to stay.” He has to battle for his position, and we need Kobbie. So that will not change.
Mainoo’s current deal with United expires in the summer of 2027, though the club has the option to extend it for another year.
However, sources say that United may be considering using Mainoo as a makeweight in an attempt to sign a Real Madrid player.
According to Spanish daily Defensa Central, United are willing to trade Mainoo plus £44 million to the Spanish giants for Federico Valverde.
However, Real are thought to regard the Uruguayan star as critical to their long-term aspirations and would not entertain any attempts to trade him.
Valverde has 32 goals in 330 games across all competitions for Los Blancos, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He was signed as a youth from Penarol in his native Uruguay in July 2016, and his current Real deal will expire in the summer of 2029.
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