Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has informed the club of his desire to leave on loan during the current transfer window, Afrosport reports.
The 20-year-old is in search of regular playing time after making just one appearance in United’s three matches this season, with head coach Ruben Amorim insisting he must compete directly with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the starting line-up.
Mainoo started Wednesday’s disappointing League Cup defeat at Grimsby Town but did not feature in either of United’s two Premier League fixtures.
“I expect a lot from Kobbie Mainoo. People think that sometimes you need to just give, I think it’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place,” said Amorim. “I believe a lot in Kobbie, more than everybody thinks.
“He’s playing in one position; he’s fighting with Bruno [Fernandes]. If they can play together. We need to improve that position and you can see it against Fulham. I expect the best from Kobbie, the same as everybody.”
Despite his request, reports suggest United have no plans to sanction a departure – either permanently or temporarily – as they consider the England international a key part of their long-term future.
The United Academy graduate made his senior debut in January 2023 and has since scored seven goals in 73 appearances for the club, including 37 outings in all competitions last season.
He made his England debut in a friendly against Brazil in March 2024 and has earned 10 caps with the Three Lions. He was named in the Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championship, featuring in six games, including starting the final against Spain.
Mainoo featured prominently in the early stages of Amorim’s tenure last season, starting 10 of the first 13 league matches, but has since slipped down the pecking order. The youngster is eager for more minutes as he targets a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Should he leave, the midfielder would become the third academy product to depart United this summer, following Marcus Rashford’s season-long loan move to Barcelona and Alejandro Garnacho’s impending £40 million transfer to Chelsea.
United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Burnley at Old Trafford. It is left to see what role Amorim would hand Mainoo, with the transfer window due to close on Monday, 1 September, leaving little time for any potential move to materialise.
