New Delhi: Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo amid uncertainty over his future at the club. There have been rumours of Mainoo wanting to leave United after falling behind in the pecking order at the club. The young midfielder is yet to make an appearance for United this season and has grown increasingly frustrated about the lack of chances under manager Ruben Amorim.
As per a report in the Daily Mail, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are among a host of clubs that are interested in signing Mainoo and are looking at the feasibility of a deal with Manchester United. Real Madrid have held discussions about getting Mainoo on a season-long loan from United as they look to rope in midfield replacements after parting ways with Dani Ceballos.
Real Madrid also have Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton on their shortlist. The uncertainty surrounding Mainoo’s future at Manchester United has grown over the last couple of weeks after the young midfielder was reduced to the bench in the club’s first two games of the ongoing Premier League 2025-26 season.
The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Mainoo wants to leave United after being ‘squeezed to the margins’ by manager Amorim after not featuring for even a minute in the club’s first two matches of the season. However, the report added that it might be too late for the midfielder to get a move, as there is a lack of attractive suitors for the 20-year-old, with the summer transfer window about to close.
Many were left surprised when Mainoo was not handed a start in United’s last outing against Fulham in the Premier League. The fact that Manuel Ugarte was once again preferred over him as a substitute in the game left many confused about Amorim’s plans for the young midfielder, who has quickly grown in stature after making his first-team debut in 2023.