Mainoo asks to leave Man United on loan

Kobbie Mainoo has asked to leave Manchester United on loan.

The club have rejected the request and told the midfielder they want him to stay and fight for his place.

Author | Olivia T

Could Mainoo be leaving Manchester United before the transfer window closes?

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— Super News Affiliate (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 29 August 2025 at 09:12

The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat at Grimsby but was left on the bench for both of United’s opening Premier League fixtures. 

Ruben Amorim has made clear that Mainoo is competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the advanced midfield role, although he has also suggested the two could be used in different positions.

Mainoo’s contract runs until 2027, yet talks over an extension have stalled. It is understood he has no desire to leave permanently but is worried about limited opportunities in the league.

With the transfer deadline approaching on Monday, it remains uncertain whether further discussions will take place.

Amorim first underlined in Chicago that Mainoo would be in competition with Fernandes this season. For the England international, the prospect of dislodging the captain in the short term looks slim. In many respects, Mainoo is a victim of his own rapid rise. His breakthrough came at a time when United were struggling, which meant he quickly became a symbol of hope. The strong finish to the 2023-24 campaign, including his standout performances at Euro 2024 with Declan Rice covering behind him, disguised weaknesses in his positioning that were regularly exposed at club level.

As last season began, his confidence dipped and an injury coincided with Erik ten Hag’s dismissal and Amorim’s arrival. He was quickly restored to the starting XI in December, only to be involved in a string of damaging defeats before suffering another injury in February. By the time he returned, Amorim was prioritising the Europa League, leaving Mainoo with only a handful of league starts, most of which ended in defeat.

Amorim believes fierce competition for places will benefit the squad and insists Mainoo’s quick feet, passing range and agility in tight spaces remain vital assets. Yet the midfielder is concerned that the evidence of the opening weeks points only to frustration, restricted game time and stalled development.