Kobbie Mainoo has asked Manchester United to allow him to leave on loan before the transfer window closes, despite being told he must remain at the club.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who has ambitions of securing a place in England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup, is frustrated with his lack of playing time under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo featured for the full 90 minutes in United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town earlier this week, but he has been left on the bench for both of the club’s opening Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham.
Amorim has made it clear that Mainoo is competing directly with Bruno Fernandes for a central midfield role. With Fernandes established as club captain and a guaranteed starter, Mainoo’s opportunities appear limited.
The teenager has since spoken to United about leaving on loan in order to secure regular minutes elsewhere. However, the club have rejected his request, stressing the need for him to stay and fight for a place in the team. Amorim, addressing reporters on Friday, insisted:
“I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. That is not going to change. I understand players who are not playing are disappointed, but everyone has the same opportunity. You must fight during the week.”
Mainoo, capped by England at senior level, was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest international squad for the upcoming qualifiers – a setback which has only increased his urgency to play more regularly this season.
Although Napoli have shown interest in a permanent deal, Mainoo is not prepared to cut ties with United. He remains intent on pursuing a loan move rather than leaving Old Trafford for good.
United, meanwhile, continue to face a busy end to the transfer window. The club are attempting to move on Antony and Jadon Sancho, while Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund have also been linked with potential exits to Chelsea and Napoli.
With just three days remaining before the deadline, Mainoo’s future remains unresolved – but for now, United’s stance is firm: he will not be allowed to leave.
