Man United block Kobbie Mainoo loan move

Manchester United have rejected Kobbie Mainoo’s request to leave on loan, with manager Ruben Amorim insisting they “need him in our team.”

The 20-year-old England midfielder has struggled for playing time this season, appearing as an unused substitute in recent Premier League matches against Arsenal (1-0 loss) and Fulham (1-1 draw). However, he did start Wednesday’s EFL Cup match, playing the full 90 minutes in a penalty shootout defeat.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

According to reports, Mainoo and his representatives informed the club on Thursday of his desire to secure a loan move before Monday’s transfer window deadline. The academy graduate wants regular first-team football to aid his development, particularly with next summer’s World Cup in mind.

At Friday’s press conference at Carrington Training Center, Amorim made clear the club’s position: “I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.”

“I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed, but everyone has the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week,” the Portuguese manager added.

Mainoo, who shone for England at Euro 2024 and started the final against Spain, has seen his form dip since the summer. After initially featuring regularly under Amorim—starting 10 of the manager’s first 13 league matches—he has recently fallen out of favor and was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad announced Friday.

Despite his current situation, United have made clear they value the midfielder and expect him to remain at Old Trafford to compete for his place.