The latest Man Utd transfer news with time running out in the summer window.
The 20-year-old informed United on Thursday that he would like to depart on a temporary deal over concerns for his playing time in the Premier League. Mainoo has not featured for United across either of their two opening matches of the league season but played the entirety of their Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in midweek.
Ruben Amorim has insisted he has plenty of belief in the young midfielder and has challenged Mainoo to fight for his place at Old Trafford this season. However, that is easier said than done, given he is in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for the same central midfield role.
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Mainoo does not want to leave his boyhood club permanently but feels he needs to be playing regular football to better his development. A loan exit would provide the midfielder with the playing time he requires, while there is also an argument he could return from it to find another head coach in charge of United who might be better-suited to his style of play.
The loan request adds further uncertainty over his long-term future at the club, after contract talks stalled over a new and improved deal. Mainoo is contracted to United until June 2027, but signed his latest deal in February 2023, just a month after he made his competitive debut for the club.
It is understood Mainoo earns roughly £20,000 a week, a contract that does not reflect the status of a player who has scored in an FA Cup final victory and who started the European Championship final last year.
Speaking earlier this week, Amorim reiterated his faith in the United academy graduate. “The same as every player in that position. I expect a lot from Kobbie Mainoo, and again, people think that sometimes you need to just give. I think it’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place. I believe a lot in Kobbie – more than everybody thinks – so I expect a lot from him.”
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