Kobbie Mainoo has stayed put at Manchester United this summer against his own wishes.
Manchester United failed to strengthen their midfield over the summer despite Ruben Amorim’s plea.
Amorim wanted an “athletic” midfielder to be signed, but United have ended the summer window with no reinforcements.
Despite Amorim spotting a weakness in United’s midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League match this season, with his only start so far coming in the shock defeat to Grimsby Town.
As a result, United were stung by Mainoo’s request to leave on loan in the final days of the summer window.
Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Manchester United in pre-season.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo’s future can be solved by Ineos
Ineos refused Mainoo’s loan request, informing the 20-year-old midfielder that he will have to stay and fight for his spot in Amorim’s side.
Mainoo attracted interest from around Europe, but United are eager to keep hold of the spectacular Carrington graduate.
If that is going to be the case, then Ineos must look to resolve Mainoo’s contract concerns as soon as possible.
More United News
🚨 BREAKING: Kobbie Mainoo makes clear to Man United that he wants to leave the club on loan this summer.
The decision has been made and it’s only for a LOAN move, not for permanent exit.
Kobbie wants to play regular football, he doesn’t want to leave #MUFC on permanent deal. pic.twitter.com/8lmadHKibC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2025
View Tweet
According to the Daily Mail, Mainoo made a verbal agreement with United over a new contract, but the offer is yet to be officially presented to the player.
Mainoo is earning £20,000 per week at United and he understandably wants a pay rise to represent his importance to the squad.
However, Mainoo’s contract talks stalled last season. It is up to Ineos to get the ball rolling again. If Mainoo agrees a new deal with United, suddenly all talk of his future would disappear.
Potential obstacles in Kobbie Mainoo contract talks
As much as Ineos should re-visit talks with Mainoo, agreeing a contract would require several hurdles being jumped.
Firstly, Mainoo wants to earn £200,000 per week, which would immediately put him among the club’s highest earners. While some would argue he deserves to be towards the top of the wage list, he is still only 20 years old and United will want to keep him grounded.
Secondly, it is a World Cup year and Mainoo was recently snubbed by England under new head coach Thomas Tuchel.
After starring in the Euros, Mainoo will be desperate to work his way back into the Three Lions squad, and if he believes that is not likely to happen at United, there is no guarantee he will want to commit his future to a new deal.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim will have loved 89th minute moment by Kobbie Mainoo, answering his biggest criticism
Finally, it is no secret that Amorim wants a new midfielder with United waiting for Carlos Baleba in 2026.
That is not necessarily good news for Mainoo, who is already struggling to get into the starting XI this season. Mainoo might have been willing to sign a new deal last season, but Ineos might find it more difficult to finalise now.