Manchester United Firm On Keeping Kobbie Mainoo Despite Loan Interest

Manchester United have rejected Kobbie Mainoo’s late request to go on loan during the summer transfer window. The club wants the young midfielder to stay and fight for his place in the team this season, emphasizing that they value him highly at the club.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mainoo, 20, asked to go on loan after he was a bench warmer for the first two games of the Premier League season against Arsenal and Fulham. He only played against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and was reportedly keen on leaving for regular minutes. Manager Ruben Amorim, however, has dismissed the thought of letting Mainoo leave, stating: “I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. That is not going to change.” Amorim reassured that every midfielder will get chances to prove themselves in training and matches. Despite previously appearing dissatisfied with his role as an unused substitute, Mainoo understands he must fight for a place in a highly competitive midfield at Manchester United.

MAINOO’S IMPORTANCE AND INTEREST FROM OTHER CLUBS

The Englishman has attracted suitors like Serie A winners Napoli as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Napoli’s interest in Mainoo comes on the back of their successful revival of ex-United player Scott McTominay’s career, while the club is also pursuing United striker Rasmus Hojlund after his underwhelming goal tally last season. However, United want Mainoo to stay and fight for a regular role, as club officials have confirmed they see him as an important player in the squad this season.

UNITED’S SEASON SO FAR AND WHAT’S NEXT

Manchester United started the 2025/26 Premier League season with back-to-back matches against Arsenal and Fulham, collecting just one point from the two outings. After a 1-0 loss to Arsenal and a draw against Fulham, they currently sit in the bottom half of the table as they look for the first win of the season and only two ahead of 15th. Their cup run ended unexpectedly when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after losing on penalties to Grimsby Town. The Red Devils next face Burnley at home, a side that is two points ahead of them in the standings. Amorim will be under pressure to rotate the squad and find a winning formula, with Mainoo pushing for minutes in hopes of helping the team climb up the standings in the Premier League.