Manchester United transfer news has taken another twist as academy star Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly handed in a loan request in search of more regular game time.
According to The Athletic, the 20-year-old England international asked United to sanction a temporary move before the transfer window deadline on September 1. However, the midfielder is only interested in a loan spell and has no desire to leave Old Trafford permanently.
Mainoo has struggled for minutes under new manager Ruben Amorim, who prefers a 3-4-2-1 formation with Bruno Fernandes occupying the main attacking midfield role. Despite featuring 37 times across all competitions last season, Mainoo has not played in either of United’s opening Premier League matches — a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw at Fulham.
His only appearance so far came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, where he played the full 90 minutes and partnered Fernandes in midfield during the second half. Amorim has tested Mainoo in various roles — defensive midfield, box-to-box, attacking midfield, and even as a false nine — but the youngster is yet to cement a defined position.
Despite his request, Manchester United have rejected any chance of a loan move, making it clear that Mainoo will remain at the club and fight for his place. The Red Devils view him as a key part of their future and are unwilling to let him leave, even temporarily.
With the transfer deadline looming, the big question is whether Mainoo will get the Premier League game time he craves or whether his situation could spark further tension at Old Trafford.
