A well-known Manchester United player is thinking about making a very contentious move to Manchester City.

Mainoo, who has an Old Trafford contract that runs through 2027, may make his season debut against Fulham after earning a position in Erik ten Hag’s travelling team. The midfielder has ties to Manchester United that go back to his early years, despite current rumours of his possible exit. He picked the team at the age of nine after receiving coaching at both City and United.

Although Mainoo has been admired by City since he was a young youngster, current reports indicate the player is happy at United and the team is not concerned about outside interest in signing him.

Mainoo demonstrated his promise in the 2022–2023 season by playing three senior games for United. His influence spanned the first several weeks of the summer preseason training before he was forced to miss time due to an unlucky ankle injury. Mainoo made his matchday squad debut for Ten Hag’s Manchester derby versus City, however he was not utilised as a substitute in the 3-0 loss.

When speaking about Mainoo’s preparedness for the derby, Erik ten Hag was upbeat, acknowledging that there is still work to be done but also stressing the midfielder’s readiness for a part in the action. Ten Hag emphasised the physicality, ball-handling prowess, and bravery of Mainoo, stressing his valuable traits and the variety of ways he can benefit the squad.

It’s a crucial time for Mainoo as the young midfielder awaits his possible selection in the squad for the Fulham match. His rise from United’s youth ranks to the senior squad has been marked by both promise and sporadic failures. The ankle injury that momentarily stopped him in his tracks is evidence of the difficulties that come with playing professional football.