West Ham have reportedly promised Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo a starting spot if he decides to join them during the January transfer window.
The England international is keen on leaving the Red Devils on loan in order to get more game time ahead of next year’s World Cup and it looks like the Hammers are trying to tempt him into moving to the London Stadium with assurances of first-team football.
Supporters on X have questioned whether their club should be offering Mainoo such guarantees, especially after seeing their current midfield perform well against Newcastle last weekend:
Don’t get the hype … one of those luxury players we don’t need
— HTB (@htb) November 6, 2025
we are stacked in his position, its a no from me.
— Las Vegas West Ham (@WestHaminVegas) November 6, 2025
Seems pointless, he’d been taking Potts’ role who is here permanently unlike mainoo and he was also POTM in his first start😂 many other positions are more of a priority
— Danny (@DannyWatkins52) November 6, 2025
Absolutely not. Don’t want to break a potential partnership of Potts and Fernandes would make a good reserve it he won’t come here to sit on the bench
— James Downing ⚒️ (@jamesdowning191) November 6, 2025
Dont see the points in loaning a player to give minutes over players that are going to be here again next season. Yh we need cover but cant come saying your garenteed to player every week
— CR11001100 (@CR11001100) November 6, 2025
Makes zero sense
— Arron smith (@smith_arro42884) November 6, 2025
Mainoo could block Potts’ path
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was effusive in his praise of Freddie Potts after he gave the 22-year-old his first start during the 3-1 win over Newcastle. Speaking about the midfielder ahead of the Burnley game, Nuno said:
“He played really, really good. He had a fantastic match. His actions were accurate, and he balanced the team in the middle of the park. He’s played a lot of games on loan, and he is a good option for us. We’re here to help him improve.”
The interest in Mainoo has prompted fears that Potts’ development could be curtailed if the Manchester United star is brought in for the second half of the season.
West Ham could lose out on the player anyway
It should be pointed out that Man United have not sanctioned Mainoo’s departure yet. Head coach Ruben Amorim is believed to be keen on keeping his current squad together.
The Irons will not be the only team in the mix even if the 20-year-old is loaned out. Serie A champions Napoli are expected to pose stiff competition, with the chance to play Champions League football likely to be a tempting prospect.
Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
