Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly told Manchester United he wants to leave on loan this summer to search for regular game time – but the club will not sanction the move.
The 20-year-old made his first appearance of the campaign in United’s dismal Carabao Cup defeat by Grimsby on Wednesday night and has been told by Ruben Amorim that he is competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a midfield spot.
According to The Athletic, Mainoo informed United of his desire for a temporary departure on Thursday, although he does not want to completely sever ties.
In response, United told the academy graduate that they will not sanction the deal, and that they expect him to stay and fight for a place in Amorim’s starting XI.
Mainoo is targeting more first-team football ahead of a potential England call-up for next summer’s World Cup, and the youngster is said to be aware that his current predicament at Old Trafford is affecting his development.
Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this week that Mainoo would be open to joining a Champions League club, and 10 potential suitors have expressed an interest. These are understood to include both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
A host of Premier League sides are also keeping a keen eye on his situation.
Mainoo is unhappy with his bit-part role this season, having been an unused substitute in United’s first two top-flight matches, a 1-0 defeat by Arsenal and the 1-1 draw with Fulham, when Amorim opted to bring on two defenders over him.
Earlier this summer, Daily Mail Sport reported that United were begrudgingly open to selling Mainoo on a permanent basis as the funds raised would be recorded as pure profit on the books, helping to alleviate the club’s PSR headache.
More to follow.
