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News
- 7 minutes ago
Man Utd can free Mainoo with €30m replacement who's playing like Bellingham
Tom Weber
- Updated: 17 Dec 2025 18:26 GMT
- 4 min read
Analysis
Manchester United should grant Kobbie Mainoo his exit wish and replace him with SC Freiburg star Johan Manzambi.
The wantaway Man Utd star's half-brother caused a stir on Monday by turning up at Old Trafford in a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" shirt, which was a clear message to Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese has been reluctant to use Mainoo, insisting that the youngster is competing for a spot with the undroppable Bruno Fernandes. Naturally, this has led to frustration, both in the 20-year-old's camp and among the fanbase.
Compared
Kobbie Mainoo
M, DM (C)
Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo
M, DM (C)
Man Utd
VS
Johan Manzambi
M, DM (C)
SC Freiburg
Johan Manzambi
M, DM (C)
SC Freiburg
2025/2026
Season Statistics
2025/2026
| 12 | Appearances | 21 |
| 1 | Assists | 4 |
| 0 | Goals | 4 |
Mainoo is keen on a January loan in a bid to get playing time ahead of the World Cup. However, Man Utd already rejected his request in the summer, and Amorim is determined to do the same again this winter - unless a replacement can be found.
That replacement should be breakout Freiburg star Johan Manzambi, who is enjoying a remarkable season in the Bundesliga. The Switzerland international is one of the biggest surprises of the current campaign.
Manzambi is playing like Bellingham
The 20-year-old already showed signs of promise last season, but nobody expected him to explode like he has this term. Manzambi has notched four goals and four assists from his central midfield position in 21 games so far. He has also scored three goals in eight caps for Switzerland.
A midfield dynamo with boundless energy, Manzambi is among the Bundesliga's best performers this season. Data providers SciSports and Fbref are unanimous that the youngster is enjoying a stunning campaign.
Manzambi is in the top 90th percentile for most attacking metrics and also ranks well defensively. His attacking contribution for a central midfielder is eye-catching. Unsurprisingly, Fbref lists Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice as similar players.
SciSports data also tells a clear story. Only Leipzig youngster Assan Ouedraogo ranks better among Bundesliga midfielders so far this season, with the massive caveat that he has played considerably fewer minutes than Manzambi.
Unsurprisingly, Manzambi's Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has skyrocketed from €1 million in April to almost €20m in December. It is also not a surprise that big clubs have taken notice.
Napoli, PSG and Bayer Leverkusen are keeping a close eye on his development. Freiburg, for their part, will only sell Manzambi if they receive a club-record fee of over €25m for him. The youngster still has a contract until 2030 and no release clause.
Should Man Utd grant Mainoo his exit wish, Manzambi would be the perfect replacement. In fact, on current form, he may even be an upgrade.
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