Kobbie Mainoo has indicated his wish to leave Man United on loan after not playing in their first two Premier League games.
Mainoo started against Grimsby
Manchester United will resist letting Kobbie Mainoo leave before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
Mainoo has indicated his wish to head out on loan before the 7pm deadline on September 1 but United sources say they cannot afford to lose him.
Sources admit that United would move for a midfielder if they relent and let Mainoo join another club within the next 80 hours.
Mainoo, 20, is regarded as a key squad player and head coach Ruben Amorim has the backing of the United leadership team over his handling of Mainoo.
Amorim believes the midfielder still has to develop aspects of his game to regain his place in the starting XI. Mainoo sustained a muscular injury in February that effectively cost him his first-team role but he has started only 15 times under Amorim.
Mainoo has played in midfield, as one of the two No.10s and even up front in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system but more experienced options and new signings now occupy those roles.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro started together in midfield in United’s opening Premier League games and Mainoo could be back on the bench against Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Figures at United sympathise with Mainoo’s situation after he failed to come on in the defeat to Arsenal and draw with Fulham.
Mainoo was one of a handful of United players regarded as untouchable last summer but his failure to agree a new contract has created uncertainty around his future.
United negotiated a new deal with Mainoo in February 2023 when he was still only 17 and had played twice for the club. The academy graduate has now appeared 73 times for United and Mainoo scored the winner in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City before he started for England in the European Championship final later that year.
The discrepancy in Mainoo’s status and salary has led to an impasse in contract talks. Mainoo rejected United’s opening offer at the start of the year and Amorim confirmed last week there was “no news” on the matter.
United have been on the lookout for a new midfielder but parked plans to move for Carlos Baleba, with the Brighton enforcer valued at £100million.