He has to choose between staying at the club and fighting for scraps of game time, or pushing for a move elsewhere to find regular football and responsibility.
Mainoo returned for pre-season with the right attitude this summer. Insiders described him as sharp, focused and determined to carve out a place in Ruben Amorim’s side.
Yet two games into the season he has not stepped onto the pitch. For a player seen by many inside the club as one of its crown jewels, that silence is difficult to ignore.
It is difficult to understand why he is in this position, especially as sources close to the situation insist United still see him as a cornerstone for the future.
The long-term vision was to tie him down on a new contract and line him up as Bruno Fernandes’ eventual successor. The difficulty is that Fernandes is not giving up his place - and boss Amorim is not showing the bravery to take him out of the side.
Fernandes has been underwhelming so far this season. Against Arsenal and Fulham he underperformed. At Craven Cottage he missed a penalty and lost focus after a minor collision with the referee.
Despite that he has completed every minute of both games. Amorim has admitted that Fernandes and Mainoo are competing for the same role. On paper that might sound encouraging for Mainoo but in reality there has been little sign of trust when the big decisions are made.
Mainoo is set for a start against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup this week but that is not enough to satisfy him. It is the weekend’s game against Burnley he really wants to be a part of.
Clubs across England and abroad are ready to move if Mainoo shows any new sign that he wants to leave.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton have all made enquiries previously. United are not pushing him out, but insiders admit that if he forces the issue it will be difficult to stand in his way.
One problem is that he does not yet have a nailed-down role in Amorim’s system. Some coaches see him as a number eight, others as a number ten, others deeper in midfield. That lack of definition is holding him back. Amorim recognises his talent but has hesitated to build around him while he is still working out exactly where Mainoo belongs.
United continue to insist that a new contract is possible but from the player’s point of view the need is not only to feel secure but also to understand where he fits in.
With less than a week left in the window the clock is ticking and he has to decide what to do.
The feeling around Old Trafford is that they are happy for him to stay - but there is a market full of suitors waiting for the signal to make a late approach.
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