New Delhi: Manchester United have informed midfielder Kobbie Mainoo that they have no intention of letting him leave this summer despite his request to be loaned for the 2025-26 season, reports BBC Sport.
So far, the United leadership has sanctioned 11 loan moves as the club looks to trim its squad due to not playing European football this season. Out of the 11 loan players, ten are academy players looking for game time. The only senior player to leave on loan so far is Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona.
Man United’s only permanent sale is Alejandro Garnacho, who is set for a move to Chelsea on a £40m deal. According to reports, the club is expecting a few more exits before the deadline day, with Rasmus Hojlund closing in on a move to Napoli, while Real Betis are also working to sign Antony, although United are so far not willing to accept a loan offer for the Brazilian forward.
Why does Mainoo want to leave Manchester United?
The 20-year-old midfielder hasn’t started in the club’s opening two Premier League matches and was also unused as a substitute. He played for the full 90 minutes in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby Town. The England international has a contract till 2027, but negotiations over an extension have stalled for a long time.
Mainoo wants game time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while head coach Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he needs to prove himself in training to play ahead of captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
“I expect a lot from Kobbie Mainoo. People think that sometimes you need to just give, but I think it’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place,” Amorim said.
“I believe a lot in Kobbie, more than everybody thinks. He’s playing in one position, he’s fighting with Bruno. If they can play together, we need to improve that position — you saw it against Fulham. I expect the best from Kobbie, the same as everybody,” he added.
Since Amorim’s arrival in November 2025, the midfielder has made just 16 starts in 45 appearances. He broke into the first team under Erik ten Hag two years ago and established himself as a promising central midfielder.
Mainoo has not yet been included in the England squad under the new coach, Thomas Tuchel, and is pushing for a loan move, but remains committed to Man United in the long term.