Manchester United have firmly rejected Kobbie Mainoo’s request to leave the club on loan this summer, directing him instead to stay and fight for his place in the first team. The 20-year-old academy graduate has informed the club that he wants more regular playing time ahead of next summer’s World Cup, but United’s hierarchy—including directors and coaching staff—are united in denying his departure.
Mainoo, who has been at Old Trafford since he was seven and made his mark by scoring in the 2024 FA Cup final, has struggled for minutes this season. He has yet to feature in the Premier League and played only once in the Carabao Cup, in a defeat to Grimsby Town. Earning praise under the previous regime, Mainoo has since fallen behind in the pecking order behind midfield mainstays such as Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
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In discussions with club leadership, Mainoo made clear he did not want a permanent transfer, making a loan move his preferred solution for game time. That request, however, has been blocked. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United see Mainoo as a valuable asset and wish for him to remain and compete for minutes under manager Rúben Amorim.
Despite his frustration and interest from other clubs, there have been no formal offers for Mainoo. United, mindful of past departures like Scott McTominay’s success after leaving for Napoli, appear intent on retaining their homegrown talent unless a truly exceptional offer emerges.
