Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could make another request to leave Old Trafford on loan during the January transfer window, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Mainoo asked for a loan move away from Man United in the closing stages of the summer market, with the England international concerned about his lack of minutes early in the 2025-26 campaign.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been the starting central midfielders at Man United this term, while Manuel Ugarte was also used ahead of him in the early stages of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The Red Devils will only play a maximum of once a week until January, as Ruben Amorim's side are not in Europe, while they were knocked out of the EFL Cup in the second round by Grimsby Town.
As a result, Mainoo could struggle for minutes, which is concerning in a World Cup year, as he battles to be in the England squad for next summer's competition.
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo on May 4, 2025
Mainoo 'could request' another loan exit in January
Transfer expert Romano has said that Mainoo could decide to request another loan move in January if he continues to struggle for regular minutes in the coming months.
Mainoo allegedly has no desire to leave Man United on a permanent basis, with his decision to ask for a short-term move simply based on his need for regular minutes.
However, Man United's minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe made it clear that the 20-year-old would not be allowed to leave due to his importance to the side.
"Kobbie Mainoo had a complicated six to seven days. He went directly to Ruben Amorim and the club together with his agent to say he’s not happy," Romano said on his official YouTube channel.
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in action against Grimsby Town on August 27, 2025
Ratcliffe 'blocked' Mainoo departure over the summer
"Kobbie Mainoo loves Manchester United, he’s really happy at Manchester United but he’s not happy about the game-time and Man United don’t have European football.
"This is why he asked to go out on loan, he never asked to leave on a permanent. It was a priority for Mainoo to go on loan but Man United said no.
"Internally, also with Sir Jim Ratcliffe involved, this was the decision made with all of the people involved. We cannot let Kobbie Mainoo go. I think there will be some interesting months ahead because if Kobbie Mainoo plays, the situation will be okay.
"But if Kobbie Mainoo stays on the bench, I think in January this could be a topic again. Now, the pitch has the final say on the future of Kobbie Mainoo."
Mainoo was an unused substitute in Man United's first two Premier League matches of the season against Arsenal and Fulham, but he came off the bench at the interval of the clash with Burnley last time out.
The midfielder will now be hoping to secure more minutes in the Manchester derby with Manchester City after the international break.
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